icon
×

25 lakhs+

Happy Patients

Experienced and
skilled surgeons

17

Health Care Facilities

Top most Referral Centre
for Complex Surgeries

Advanced Thymectomy Surgery

Thymectomy surgery, which removes the thymus gland, is a vital procedure for patients with specific medical conditions. This surgical intervention substantially improves muscle weakness symptoms in most people with myasthenia gravis. 

Doctors also use this procedure to treat thymoma. While uncommon, thymoma remains the most frequent tumour found in the anterior mediastinum. Modern surgical techniques have revolutionised thymectomy outcomes. Minimally invasive methods have become popular because they reduce blood loss and hospital stays. These methods also cause fewer complications while delivering excellent oncologic results. Most patients bounce back from thymectomy in 2 to 6 weeks, though recovery time depends on personal factors and the surgical method used.

Why CARE Group Hospitals is Your Top Choice for Thymectomy Surgery in Hyderabad

The highly skilled thoracic surgery teams at CARE Hospitals have extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures. Advanced operating theatres equipped with state-of-the-art technology make complex thoracic interventions possible. Each patient receives detailed pre- and post-procedure care that matches their unique needs. The medical team focuses on both physical and emotional well-being. CARE's intuitive approach ensures personalised attention throughout the treatment process.

Best Thymectomy Doctors in India

State-of-the-art Surgical Innovations at CARE Hospital

CARE Hospital uses the latest surgical innovations to improve thymectomy procedures:

  • 3D high-definition imaging gives surgeons better depth perception
  • Advanced energy devices enable precise tissue analysis
  • Robotic-assisted techniques provide increased dexterity for complex procedures
  • Single-port methods minimise surgical trauma and improve cosmetic results

Indications for Thymectomy Surgery

The doctors at CARE performed thymectomy mainly for thymoma (thymic tumours) and myasthenia gravis. The surgery can also address other conditions like mediastinal masses and thymic pathologies. Myasthenia gravis patients under 60 with moderate to severe weakness often see improved symptoms and need less medication after the procedure.

Types of Thymectomy Surgery Procedures

CARE Hospital provides several thymectomy approaches. 

  • VATS (Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) thymectomy: Doctors use this surgery to remove the thymus with small cuts made between the ribs. A small camera and instruments are inserted, and the chest is shown on a screen to guide the procedure. This technique allows careful operation with lower pain and fewer scars. 
  • Robotic-assisted thymectomy: In this advanced technique, surgeons rely on robotic arms and 3D visuals to perform operations with precise control. Robot-assisted thymectomy stands out as the most innovative surgical approach to treat anterior mediastinum diseases. This technique helps patients recover faster and achieves better cosmetic results without affecting surgical success.
  • Traditional trans-sternal procedures (open surgery): This traditional surgery uses a cut made through the breastbone, giving surgeons full access to the thymus and nearby regions. Doctors often use this method to remove larger or more serious tumours. 
  • Trans-cervical approaches: Doctors perform this less common surgery through a tiny cut at the bottom of the neck. This method skips chest cuts and works well to treat small thymus gland tumours or myasthenia gravis.

Pre-surgery Preparation

Getting ready for thymectomy surgery requires several steps that will help achieve the best results. These include:

  • Your doctors will do a full medical check-up that includes physical examination, pulmonary function tests, an electrocardiogram, and imaging studies like CT, MRI, or PET scans. 
  • You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before the surgery. 
  • If you have myasthenia gravis, your doctors might suggest immunoglobulin therapy or plasma exchange to prevent breathing problems.
  • You should not eat or drink after midnight before surgery. 

Thymectomy Surgical Procedure

Steps include:

  • The surgical team will induce general anaesthesia.
  • The surgeon will make a single incision or 3-4 small incisions based on the approach. 
  • The thoracic surgeon carefully separates and removes part or all of the thymus gland while protecting surrounding tissues. 
  • Doctors sometimes insert a chest tube to remove air and fluid out of the chest cavity.
  • After removing the gland, the surgeon closes the incision(s) with sutures or staples.

In general, the surgery usually takes one to three hours.

Post-surgery Recovery

After surgery, medical staff will monitor your vital signs and manage pain. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-3 days. Your recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery, your age, and your overall health, usually taking 2-6 weeks.

Risks and Complications

Some possible risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
  • Damage to nearby structures, including the heart or nerves 
  • Myasthenic crisis (rare)

Additional complications include hemothorax (blood between the lungs and chest wall) or chylothorax (lymphatic fluid in the chest). Skilled surgical techniques help minimize these risks.

Benefits of Thymectomy Surgery

This surgery is a great way to get relief for myasthenia gravis. Benefits include:  

  • Eases symptoms tied to myasthenia gravis
  • Gets rid of tumours or unusual growths in the thymus
  • Can stop early-stage thymic cancer from spreading
  • Reduces the need to rely on medication for a long time
  • Fewer hospital stays
  • Using less invasive methods can speed up recovery and cause less discomfort.
  • Helps some patients with stronger muscles and easier breathing
  • Improve life quality as time goes by

Insurance Assistance for Thymectomy Surgery

CARE Hospital will help explain your insurance coverage by working with third-party administrators to make processes smoother and keep you informed about healthcare costs.

Second Opinion for Thymectomy Surgery

A second opinion will help you make better decisions about your treatment. CARE's experienced surgical team offers free consultations to review your case and give an explanation about thymus gland treatments.

Conclusion

Thymectomy surgery changes lives, particularly for patients with myasthenia gravis or thymic tumours. The procedure gives real hope—permanent remission happens in nearly a third of myasthenia gravis cases, and symptoms improve by a lot in many patients.

CARE Hospital's detailed approach puts patient well-being first. Their surgical teams use advanced techniques like robotic-assisted procedures and VATS. These methods help patients heal faster and get better cosmetic results.

Modern surgical approaches have made outcomes much better for patients thinking over thymectomy. CARE Hospital's all-encompassing approach means patients never have to face this challenge alone.

Removing the thymus gland is a big decision. Expert guidance and advanced surgical methods give patients a chance at better health and improved quality of life.

+91

* By submitting this form, you consent to receive communication from CARE Hospitals via call, WhatsApp, email, and SMS.
+880
Upload Report (PDF or Images)

Captcha *

Mathematical Captcha
* By submitting this form, you consent to receive communication from CARE Hospitals via call, WhatsApp, email, and SMS.

Thymectomy Surgery Hospitals in India

Frequently Asked Questions

A thymectomy removes your thymus gland—a butterfly-shaped organ in your chest. The gland sits between your lungs, behind your breastbone and in front of your heart. Your thymus helps develop the immune system during childhood.

Doctors suggest this surgery to treat:

  • Thymoma (tumour in the thymus)
  • Myasthenia gravis that doesn't respond well to medication
  • Thymic cysts or other pathologies

The best candidates are:

  • Patients under 60 years old
  • People with mild to moderate myasthenia gravis who test positive for AChR antibodies
  • Anyone who has a thymoma
  • Patients who face major challenges from medical treatments

The thymectomy surgery is a safe procedure. Complications happen in a small number of cases. These can include infection, bleeding, and, rarely, myasthenic crisis.

Your pain level depends on the surgical approach. Trans-sternal procedures cause more discomfort. Minimally invasive techniques lead to mild pain. Most patients find that their pain goes away within 3-5 days with medication.

The surgery takes 1-3 hours. The time varies based on the surgical approach and complexity.

Yes, it's a major surgery, especially with traditional open approaches. Minimally invasive techniques now help patients recover faster. Most people stay in the hospital for just 1-3 days.

The surgery carries some possible risks, such as

  • Bleeding
  • Damage to nearby structures (heart, nerves, blood vessels)
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
  • Pneumonia
  • Hemothorax (blood between the lungs and the chest wall)
  • In rare cases, myasthenic crisis

Hospital stays range from 1 to 7 days based on the surgical method used. Most patients recover fully within 2-6 weeks. Recovery from open surgery through the breastbone takes longer, nearly 3 months, compared to minimally invasive procedures. Doctors recommend limiting physical activities for 3-6 weeks before returning to regular activities.

These include:

  • Improved control of myasthenia gravis symptoms
  • Reduced need for immunosuppressive medication
  • The surgery's impact on T-cell production continues for years afterwards.

Doctors use general anaesthesia as the standard approach. Myasthenia gravis patients need special attention because their bodies react differently to muscle relaxants. Some surgical teams avoid muscle relaxants completely to prevent complications.

While no specific thymus diet exists, these foods help boost immune function:

  • Vitamin C-rich foods: citrus fruits, berries
  • Zinc sources: oysters, pumpkin seeds, nuts
  • Vitamin A foods: leafy greens, orange vegetables
  • Selenium-rich options: Brazil nuts, fish, eggs

Still Have a Question?

Call Us

+91-40-68106529

Find Hospital

Care near you, Anytime