For some people with myasthenia gravis, thymectomy can make a big difference by reducing muscle weakness and fatigue. About 70 percent of those who undergo thymectomy see improvement, and 30 percent to 40 percent may have complete resolution of their symptoms. However, results can vary based on your age and myasthenia gravis subtype.

Myasthenia gravis symptoms can change or get worse over time, so finding a treatment that provides lasting control for your symptoms can be a major win for your long-term quality of life. While thymectomy isn’t right for everyone, it offers a chance for lasting symptom relief in some people.

How Thymectomy Works

Thymectomy removes the thymus gland, which plays a role in the immune system and can contribute to the production of antibodies that cause myasthenia gravis symptoms. Your thymus gland is in your chest area and is part of your immune system.

🗳️ Have you had a thymectomy as a part of treatment for myasthenia gravis? Did you benefit from the surgery?

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Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. In myasthenia gravis, it disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing weakness. Removing the thymus gland can help reduce this immune system attack, leading to fewer myasthenia gravis symptoms and less need for other treatments.

Some people with myasthenia gravis have thymus tumors, called thymomas. Others have enlarged thymus glands. However, the thymus can also contribute to autoimmune activity even when it isn’t enlarged or doesn’t contain a tumor.

What To Expect From Thymectomy

Your thymectomy will take between two and four hours, depending on the technique your surgeon uses. In most cases, thymectomy is an inpatient surgery, which means you stay in the hospital overnight.

Your surgeon gives you details about your procedure and what to expect during your thymectomy based on the technique. An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, and monitors you closely throughout the surgery.

Preparing for Thymectomy

Before surgery, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and give you instructions to prepare. They may order tests to make sure you’re a good surgical candidate. These tests can include cardiac stress tests or imaging scans like MRI or CT.

As the date of your surgery gets closer, your healthcare provider might advise you to stop taking specific medications or supplements. Typically, you’ll continue taking your myasthenia gravis medications unless your surgeon or anesthesiologist tells you otherwise. They’ll also give you instructions on fasting before your surgery.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) before surgery to help strengthen your muscles and lower the risk of complications. IVIG delivers antibodies into your bloodstream to help regulate the immune system.

Recovering After Thymectomy

Hospital stays after thymectomy vary, but you can expect plenty of support while you’re there, including pain medication, oxygen, and IV fluids. You’ll be encouraged to move around as soon as possible to help in your recovery.

If you have open surgery like a transsternal thymectomy, you may stay in the hospital for four to six days. You may be able to return to driving and other activities after about six weeks. If you have a robotic or video-assisted thymectomy, you can expect just one to two days in the hospital, and you may be able to drive again after about two weeks.

Recovery times can vary, so talk to your doctor about what to expect in your case. It may take longer for you to return to work if your job involves standing or lifting.

Potential Risks of Thymectomy

While thymectomy offers benefits for many people with myasthenia gravis, the surgery isn’t without risks. Some complications include heart injuries, nerve damage, blood loss, and a collapsed lung.

The surgery rarely leads to a myasthenic crisis. Myasthenic crisis is a life-threatening complication that happens when the muscles that support breathing become too weak to function.

Some people with myasthenia gravis can have an unusual response to neuromuscular-blocking medications used for anesthesia, so anesthesiologists carefully manage these medications.

Scarring After Thymectomy

You can expect to have surgical scars after your thymectomy incisions heal. Scars from minimally invasive thymectomy are usually small and often not very noticeable, although you’ll likely have two to four small scars.

Who Should Consider Thymectomy?

Ask your neurologist about your best myasthenia gravis treatment options to find out if you’re a good candidate for thymectomy. Generally, doctors consider your age, gender, antibody status, how severe your symptoms are, and whether you have thymomas.

The strongest evidence for thymectomy is for people who have AChR-antibody-positive myasthenia gravis. However, doctors may recommend thymectomy for people with other types of antibodies, especially if they have a thymoma.

Older adults with myasthenia gravis may see less improvement after thymectomy, but surgeons will consider many factors beyond age while recommending the surgery.

What MGteam Members Have Said

“I had a thymectomy performed. My double vision was gone immediately. I had absolutely zero pain in my chest after surgery. I would highly recommend it.”

“I had my thymectomy surgery in 2016 and, although I did not go into remission, the respiratory failure threat was no longer a constant issue.”

“Doctors determined due to my youth that it was best to remove my thymus to improve my condition. I think it worked.”

Talk to Your Doctor

Thymectomy for myasthenia gravis may help reduce your symptoms and decrease your need for medication. If you’re thinking about thymectomy, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits to help you make the best decision for your health.