Thymectomy

Thymectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the thymus gland, which is located in the chest behind the breastbone. The thymus plays a role in immune system development, especially in early life. This procedure is most commonly performed to treat myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system interferes with nerve signals to muscles. Removing the thymus can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. The surgery can be done through different approaches, including open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Overall, thymectomy aims to modulate immune activity and manage autoimmune responses related to the thymus.