My doctor wants the full sternotomy because he feels that the robot can't see everywhere to get all of the tissue like they can when they open you up. He claims one woman had tissue from just under her chin to almost the center of her chest and that is why he has his patients get a full sternotomy.

Kimber

Kimber, that was pretty much what my surgeon said. my tissue had expanced higher up too. all the best in your process....

Wow. I'm sorry that there are surgeons who have to be asked what they did the night before. I literally couldn't have asked for a better CT surgeon. I had a partial sternotomy on Aug 24 and I don't even feel like I've had surgery. I'm 100%. I was back to work a month later. I can sleep on my stomach with no pain, and I can bend down (puts pressure on the chest) with no pain. I was told not to lift for another month and that's it!! I decided to go through my sternum because allegedly they have better access that way.
I really didn't even consider the robot after I met my surgeon.

Also, I don't take prednisone because it has always made me weaker. My MG is a little better but I don't expect to see results (if I do at all) for a year. My scar is only about 4 maybe 5 inches long. My thymus was 3 times the weight of an average person's at their largest.

A thymectomy is VERY scary to anticipate but I was in the hospital at my weakest when I decided to do it so I was desperate. Whatever you decide, good luck and let us know if you find any good research!

I had an enlarge Thymus gland and did research on both types of surgery. I opted for the traditional approach. Mostly because I have thyroid issues and I know someday I will need to have that removed, so that surgery will be in the same location and having scar tissue there will make that more difficult. I also didn't like the risks involved with the robotic - there is a thin membrain between the heart and the thymus, and it is sometimes difficult to separate robotically. There are also two nerves that are involved with breathing that they need to be very careful with - and it is tricky. I would recommend that you just make sure if you choose to go with the minimally invasive robotic surgery (and I have heard that can be a very easy recovery!) then just make sure you get an excellent surgeon who has done at least a good number of them. My surgery was not a cakewalk, but I'm fully recovered and am glad it was done. I had remission for about 6 months (was immediate) so I know that there is a relationship between my MG and the Thymus. However, now I have symptoms that have returned and I am heading for an MRI this week to make sure they "got it all" What a confusing disease this is!! Best wishes for you - I know it is a difficult decision, but if you just follow your head (and your heart) and pray about it, then that will make it easier.