This has been extensively discussed in the forum for many years. You can see some of the comments by clicking on this site search of daily strength
https://www.google.com/search?q=myasthenia+thymectomy+site%3Adailystrength.org%2F&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS812US812&oq=myasthenia+thymectomy+site%3Adailystrength.org%2F&aqs=chrome..69i57.34182j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

to do a site search of daily strength one can type in a line exaclly like that below.
myasthenia thymectomy site:dailystrength.org/

generally speaking the folks who have problem thymus glands have a thymectomy almost always. Those who have a normal one often do as it has a chance of improving MG over the longer term.

The folks here have differing opinions. You are right to try to research this from the research findings rather than just folks opinions.

Good Luck
Russ

I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis after having my daughter, at the diagnosis appointment I began taking 26 pills a day. a Year and a half later I had a thymectomy, I quickly was weaned off of the medications. I have been medication and pretty much symptom free for 15 years. Best surgery I ever had.

This research has just landed on my desk - must be true!

https://myastheniagravisnews.com/2019/10/28/ocular-mg-patients-more-likely-to-experience-remission-if-they-undergo-thymectomy-before-their-disease-generalizes-study-says/

Hey Pete I read that too I just got the email I have my doubts this one study and most of the people were young I don't know how well that would work for some of us who are 65 and older

Hi Ken

It's not the first study regards the benefits of thymectomy of course. My own doctor was keen to see whether or not I was a suitable candidate, at 65, - I wasn't as it happens. There's a sort of natural logic in the suggestion that the earlier you catch MG the better the outcome - so I buy into both age and ocular only as being the better candidates, as always that's a discussion to be had between the patient and the doctor. Given that there's not much left of the thymus at age 65 and the only 'action' from it (at that age) that I have read tends to be of a negative nature, there doesn't seem to be much to lose? That 'action' I refer to I'd describe as being the final wind-down of us as the instruction to terminate various support systems is made. (irony in that last sentence - perhaps I'm feeling old today?).

I have had 23 years of experience with MG and have been to local support meetings. A leading expert on MG has told me that although Thymectomy was practiced routinely in the past, its effectiveness is very questionable. Many Neurologist that are not as familiar with MG will use this treatment. It is a major surgery that could do more harm than good if you don't actually have a tumor. If you can get results with only using Mestinon to manage the MG. your outcome can be much better than any of the more extreme treatments. I found out the hard way, don't just go to a Neurologist. Go to one that is an expert on MG. The MDA covers MG and they can be very helpful.

Tonkytonk - not too sure what your message is here? At least I think I can agree with your last sentence, assuming you actually mean MGA and not MDA?. I have to bow to your long(er) experience of MG as well. Many of us on here are not quite as confident in dismissing 'relevant' research as you would seem to be and there has been plenty of anecdotal evidence on here from people that have had a thymectomy.

In the US it is MDA society, MG is grouped into that organization.
My opinion is that doctors over sell thymectomy as this cure when in fact that’s unlikely. They really don’t know why it helps it just helps you take a lower dose of medicine for some people. Some get worse or some no change. . Read the study that’s all it says and you have to be seropositive for acetylcholine not musk or seronegative.
I went for a consult for the surgery and left with a surgery date. Which I cancelled three days before the surgery because my neurologist said not to do it. I’m actually glad i didn’t go through with it. Strong family history of lupus and thymectomy only increases the likelihood of me getting lupus. It’s true read up on that along with the fact if you are young it permanently removes part of your immune system. And no matter which way you have it done they collapse your lung to get at it and from what I heard waking up from surgery isn’t pretty after lung inflating.

I had a thymectomy last may, after being diagnosed with MG and a tumor on my thymus. Turned out to be malignant and I had radiation. I'd rather have another thymectomy than have a crisis, which I had in July and then pneumonia that I developed from the radiation in August and September.

Finally feeling better, but doctors say it takes about a year to get the full benefits from the surgery. But honestly the surgery was not bad, I recovered quickly and was only was in the hospital for 3 nights. ( A lot shorter than my stay for the pneumonia) And I am 64 years old.