Holleran TJ, Napolitano MA, Crowder HR, Sparks AD, Antevil JL, Trachiotis GD. Clinical Outcomes and Technical Approach of Thymectomy in the Veterans Health Administration.
Ann Thorac Surg 2021;
113:1648-1655. [PMID:
34087238 DOI:
10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.05.020]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Thymectomy is traditionally performed via transsternal incision, but less invasive modalities have emerged, including transcervical, thoracoscopic, and robotic approaches. Despite the advantages of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS) over thoracotomy, most thymectomies are performed via sternotomy. This study compared the utilization and 30-day post-operative outcomes of transsternal, transcervical, and VATS thymectomy in the Veterans Health Administration.
METHODS
This was a retrospective review of veterans that underwent thymectomy via the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program. 30-day outcomes were compared between techniques, adjusting for confounding covariates. Temporal trends were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, rho(ρ).
RESULTS
From 2008-2019, 594 thymectomies were performed: 376(63.3%) transsternal, 113(19.0%) VATS(including robotic approaches), and 105(17.7%) transcervical cases. VATS utilization increased from 0% in 2008 to 61% of case volume in 2019. Relative to transsternal technique, VATS thymectomy was associated with decreased odds of pulmonary complications (adjusted odds ratio=0.06;p=0.028) and shorter hospital stay (2.9±0.4 days shorter;p<0.001). No difference in outcomes was detected between VATS and transcervical thymectomy. Post-operative complication rate decreased from 17.7% in 2008 to 5.6% in 2019 (ρ=-0.101;p=0.014). Length of stay decreased from median 4 days in 2008 to 3 days in 2019 (ρ=-0.093;p=0.026). In thymic cancer, VATS 5-year overall survival was non-inferior to transsternal approach(71.3% vs. 74.6%; p=0.54).
CONCLUSIONS
Transsternal approach comprised most thymectomy cases amongst veterans, while VATS thymectomy utilization increased over time and was associated with favorable outcomes. 30-day outcomes after thymectomy improved over time, which may reflect a trend towards wider utilization of less invasive approaches. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes.
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