Resumen

NAVARRO-REYNOSO, Francisco et al. Results of maximal thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. A 20 year experience at The Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery Department of Mexico's General Hospital: The influence of thymectomy over the dose of pyridostigmine and three spirometric variables in myasthenia gravis. Rev. Inst. Nal. Enf. Resp. Mex. [online]. 2006, vol.19, n.4, pp.252-257. ISSN 0187-7585.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease of the neuromuscular plaque characterized by weakness and fatigue. It can be related to thymic tumors or hyperplasia of the gland. MG is treated with pyridostigmine; if medical control can not be achieved or unpleasant symptoms appear, thymectomy is indicated. We present our 20 year experience with 126 cases of transternal maximal thymectomy for the treatment of MG; there were two postoperative deaths related to respiratory muscle weakness. Statistically significant improvements in pyridostigmine dosage, tidal volume, vital capacity and maximal inspiratory force were seen after surgery.

Palabras llave : Maximal thymectomy; myasthenia gravis; pyridostigmine; pulmonary function tests.