Non-Intubated Subxiphoid Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Thymectomy

This report describes a non-intubated, subxiphoid, uniportal approach to video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. A laryngeal mask was used as a safety precaution for ventilatory management, and thymectomy was accomplished through a single transverse incision below the lower edge of the xiphoid. Patients were uneventfully discharged with fast recovery. This novel surgical approach may merge the potential benefits of a subxiphoid incision for treatment of anterior mediastinum lesion and adoption of a non-intubated anaesthesia protocol.