Thoracoscopic thymectomy versus open thymectomy for the treatment of thymoma: A meta-analysis

Background: Some studies compared the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic thymectomy (OT) with open thymectomy (TT) in the treatment of thymoma, but the results remained controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to determine the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic thymectomy in comparison with open thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma. Methods: Relevant studies were searched in databases of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Comparative studies of thoracoscopic thymectomy and open thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma were included. Both short-term perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were analyzed. Results: 14 Eligible studies were identified through electronic databases. Our analysis suggested, when compared with open thymectomy, patients having thoracoscopy might benefit from less blood loss (p = 0.004), lower blood transfusion rate (p = 0.02), shorter mean duration of chest tube (p = 0.002), hospital stay (p < 0.001) and lower complication (p = 0.03). There was no statistical difference in 5-year OS rate (p = 0.14) and DFS/RFS rate (p = 0.07) between two groups. Conclusion: Our study indicated that thoracoscopic thymectomy could become a valid alternative to open thymectomy in selected patients with thymoma. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.