Why is this procedure done?
A thymectomy is surgery done to the remove the thymus gland. This gland is found in the upper chest behind the breastbone. The thymus gland helps the bodys defense system. It also makes muscles move. ‚
When the thymus gland gets damaged, it blocks the signals that make muscles move. This makes your muscle weak. This is called myasthenia gravis or MG. Sometimes, MG develops because of tumors in the thymus gland. These tumors may be cancer or not. ‚
Thymectomy is done to: ‚
- Treat myasthenia gravis
- Remove tumors in the thymus gland
The surgery can be done many ways. Your doctor can help you decide what surgery is best for you. ‚
- Through a cut made over your breastbone or across the lower part of your neck.
- Through very small cuts made on the right or left side of the chest. This is called video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted thoracic surgery.
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What will the results be?
- Muscle weakness goes away
- Stop the spread of cancer
- Tumor is removed
- Improvement may be slow and take time
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- Test for muscle strength
- Breathing tests
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- When you are asleep, the doctor puts a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. The doctor also puts another small tube into your stomach to drain out any fluid that might come out during surgery.
- Your doctor will make a cut or cuts, based on the type of surgery you are having, and will remove the thymus gland.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- Your doctor may place a chest tube to drain fluid and air from your chest after the surgery. This tube is connected to a drain unit. The tube will be removed a few days after your surgery.
- The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain. Your breathing tube may be left in place after the surgery. You may spend time in Intensive Care (ICU). You will get drugs to help you relax and sleep while the breathing tube is in place.
- Your doctor may take a chest x-ray to check for bleeding or other problems inside your chest. Your doctor will ask you to do muscle and breathing tests. The staff will help you do the tests.
- The staff will take your breathing tube out when you are awake and strong enough to breathe on your own. You may have a sore throat afterwards. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises after surgery will help keep your lungs clear.
- The doctor will take the I.V. tubes out when fluids can be taken by mouth. Then, you will slowly start eating solid foods again.
- You will stay in the hospital 3 to 5 days after this surgery.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Eat slowly. Eat soft foods or cut your foods in to small pieces and chew carefully before swallowing.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids per day. Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while you are getting better.
- Do not drive or run machinery while you are taking prescription pain drugs.
- Exercise your voice by reading aloud or singing.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Avoid stress. Stress may slow healing and cause illnesses. Try new relaxation methods. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and grains. A well balanced diet may also help improve health. Eat soft foods at the time right after surgery. Slowly work your way back to your diet before surgery.
- Be active. Start slowly when you begin to exercise after your surgery. Exercise can help strengthen muscle and lower fatigue. If you feel tired, balance your activity with rest. Ask your doctor for an exercise plan that fits your needs.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lung failure
- No improvement of myasthenia gravis signs
Where can I learn more?
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. ‚
http://www.myasthenia.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=BIVoreOXJGo%3D ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm#180043153 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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