Thymectomy in India

The thymus is a small gland in the upper chest that helps the immune system develop in childhood. In myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition causing muscle weakness, removing the thymus can reduce symptoms and medication needs in many patients. Thymomas, which are tumours of the thymus, are usually removed completely as the main treatment.

The gland can be removed through the breastbone (sternotomy), through small cuts in the side of the chest (thoracoscopic) or with a surgical robot. Myasthenia patients need careful preparation by a neurologist so their breathing muscles are strong enough before anaesthesia.

Approaches: standard, thoracoscopic (vats) or robotic

Sternotomy (splitting the breastbone) gives the widest access and is preferred for large or invasive thymomas. Thoracoscopic and robotic approaches use small side-chest cuts, often meaning less pain and quicker recovery, and suit myasthenia and small, contained tumours. The choice depends on tumour size and spread, and on the surgeon's experience.

• Thoracoscopic (VATS) Thymectomy
• Robotic Thymectomy

Who needs thymectomy

• Thymoma or other tumour of the thymus
• Generalised myasthenia gravis with antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor, as advised by a neurologist
• Myasthenia not well controlled on medicines alone
• Enlarged thymus with symptoms or suspicious features on scan

How it is done

1. A CT or MRI scan shows the gland and any tumour; a neurologist optimises myasthenia treatment.
2. Some patients receive immunoglobulin or plasma exchange before surgery to strengthen muscles.
3. General anaesthesia is given with careful muscle monitoring.
4. The surgeon reaches the thymus through the breastbone, through side chest ports, or robotically.
5. The entire thymus and surrounding fat are removed, including any tumour.
6. Drains are placed; breathing is closely monitored after surgery.

Before you travel to India

• CT or MRI chest images and reports
• Neurologist letter with your myasthenia antibody results, current medicines and doses
• Lung function tests, especially breathing strength
• Biopsy reports, if a tumour has been sampled
• A companion familiar with your condition

Recovery and flying home

• Hospital stay is longer after sternotomy than after keyhole approaches
• Myasthenia patients are watched closely for breathing weakness
• Pain control and breathing exercises start early
• Flying home is planned once you are stable and cleared by both surgeon and neurologist
• Myasthenia improvement after thymectomy can take months to years
• Thymoma patients may need radiotherapy depending on pathology

Risks

• Myasthenic crisis (severe breathing weakness) after surgery
• Bleeding or infection
• Damage to the nerve controlling the diaphragm or voice
• Incomplete removal of thymic tissue
• Breastbone healing problems after sternotomy

Alternatives

• Medical treatment of myasthenia with medicines and immune therapy
• Radiotherapy or chemotherapy for thymomas not suitable for surgery
• Monitoring of small thymic findings that look harmless

Conditions treated

• Myasthenia Gravis
• Thymoma

Hospitals in India for thymectomy

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
• BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
• Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta RoadBengaluru
• Rajagiri HospitalKochi
• Asian Heart Institute, MumbaiMumbai
• Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, PimpriPune
• KIMS Hospitals, SecunderabadHyderabad
• Yashoda Hospitals, Hitec CityHyderabad

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Arvind KumarMedanta - The Medicity, Gurugram
• Dr Pramoj JindalMax Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali / Shalimar Bagh

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices