Adjuvant pneumomediastinum in thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.

Mineo, T C; Pompeo, E; Ambrogi, V; Sabato, A F; Bernardi, G; Casciani, C U · Ann Thorac Surg · 1996

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

To facilitate initial visualization and subsequent mobilization of the thymus, adjuvant pneumomediastinum was preoperatively induced in 4 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. Neither mortality nor technique-related morbidity was observed. This experience shows video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy to be a safe and reliable procedure. In addition, we believe that adjuvant pneumomediastinum seems to facilitate the dissection maneuvers and could shorten operative time.

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