A retrospective for perioperative outcomes of the subxiphoid video-assisted thoracic surgery thymectomy in non-myasthenia thymoma

Objective Minimally invasive approaches are widespreadly being applied via different routes for thymoma. The present study aimed to assess the perioperative outcomes of the subxiphoid approach in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) thymectomy for non-myasthenia thymoma patients in our group. Methods Patients who underwent VATS thymectomy via subxiphoid approach between 2020 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed in our medical group. 41 patients were finally included for peri-operative outcomes analysis. Results There was 1 conversion to median sternotomy owing to inominate vein injury and hemorrhage (≥ 300ml). All patients achieved a good recovery after surgery, and none had serious complications. There were no perioperative deaths. 10 patients underwent post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy. 10 patients refused to receive post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy. CONCLUSION With the subxiphoid incision as the operating port, the subxiphoid VATS thymectomy could provide satisfactory therapeutic effect when an auxiliary sternal retractor is needed (diameter of thymoma ≥ 5cm). This method has significant advantage in reducing postoperative acute phase pain.