Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis : Experience at Ratchaburi Hospital

Abstract

Fifteen thymectomies were performed in patients with myasthenia gravis during 1974 - 1994 at Ratchaburi hospital. There were 13 females (86.7%)and 2 males (13.3%). Twelve out of 13 females were 18 - 37 years of age. The two males were 42 and 45 years old at the time of operation. Two patients were in mildly generalised class (2a), while 10 were in moderately generalised (class 2b) and 3 patients were severely affected by the disease (class 3). Outcomes, obtained as the result of the operation, were early remission in 8(53.5%), late remission in 2(13.3%), improved status in 1(6.7%)and not improved in 3(20.0%).There was 1 opeartive death, and 1 of the non-improved died 2 years after the operation from repeated crises due to therapeutic uncompliance. Results of the operation were more favourable in patients with milder clinical class, shorter duration of symptoms and absence of thymoma.