Minimally invasive surgery in thymic malignances: The new standard of care

Abstract

Surgery is the most important therapy for thymic malignancies. The last decade has seen increasing adoption of minimally invasive thymectomy (MIT) for thymic tumors. MIT for early stage diseases has been shown to yield similar oncological results while being helpful in minimizing surgical trauma, improving postoperative recovery, and reducing incisional pain. Similar surgical and oncological principles should be observed in both minimally invasive and open procedures so as to ensure radical resection and accurate staging of the tumor.