What types of thymectomy are available at Henry Ford?
There are two ways to perform a thymectomy:
- Median sternotomy: In this open surgery, the doctor makes a large incision and splits the breastbone to access the thymus gland. We use this approach for large, complex tumors.
- Minimally invasive thymectomy: If you have a smaller tumor, you may be a candidate for robotic surgery. This procedure requires only three small incisions between the ribs.
What are the benefits of robot-assisted thymectomy?
Robotic surgery allows our surgeons to operate with extreme precision. The surgeon guides the robotic arms and controls them every step of the way. A high-definition 3-D camera allows the surgeon to see the chest and thymus through the breastbone as if performing an open surgery.
Additional benefits of robot-assisted thymectomy include:
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Small incisions and minimal scarring
