SURGICAL-TREATMENT FOR INVASIVE THYMOMA, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SUPERIORVENA-CAVA IS INVADED

Background. We analyzed the operative outcome of extensive surgery for invasive thymoma, especially in those with thymomas invading the supe rior vena cava, the left innominate vein, or both. Methods. We treated 41 patients with invasive thymoma, including 34 stage III, 5 stage IV a, and 2 stage IVb thymomas. Thirty-eight patients received radiothera py preoperatively or postoperatively. In 12 patients with invasion of the superior vena cava or innominate vein, we performed angioplasty, r econstruction, or both. Results. The overall 5-year survival rate was 77% and the 10-year survival rate was 59%. In the stage III group, the re was a significant difference between those with complete and those with incomplete resection. Ten of 12 patients who had angioplasty with or without reconstruction of the superior vena cava or innominate vei n survived without recurrence of the tumors. Conclusion. Angioplasty a nd vascular reconstruction are recommended because successful treatmen t for invasive thymomas depends on complete resection of the tumors.