Results of minimally invasive thoracic surgery (video-assisted) in the treatment of Myasthenia GravisIntroduction: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is the most common primary disorder of neuromuscular transmission. Treatment is multidisciplinary medical and surgical. Thymectomy is now part of standard treatment with clinical improvement in approximately 85% of cases. The best approach has not yet been defined. Objective: To evaluate the results of thymectomy for minimally invasive surgery (video-assisted) in patients with MG, with or without thymoma, analyzing the results in the literature to date. Material and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of literature in the PubMed database. Results: We found 66 publications related to the search, 20 studies were selected for review. We included those that evaluated the results of thymectomy in MG patients with or without thymoma. Discussion: Minimally invasive surgery (video-assisted) is a safe way, with low morbidity, shorter hospitalization, better cosmetic result and complete remission rates or improvement at least equivalent to conventional surgical approaches. These results should be evaluated with caution because there isn't enough evidence to ensure that minimally invasive surgery is the best approach.

Accuracy of the tumor marker CA 19-9 in the differentiation of benign and malignant bilio-pancreatic diseases

Transthoracic approach for concurrent right lung and liver hydatid cysts Introduction: Pulmonary and hepatic hydatid disease occurs concomitantly in 4 to 33% of cases. When the condition is localized in the right lung and liver dome surgical resolution in one time is possible. Objective: To describe the transthoracic-transfrenic approach and review the available literature. Material and Methods: We report two cases operated at our institution through a right posterolateral thoracotomy and frenotomy in one stage, with uneventful postoperative evolution. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed database period 1990-2011. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Transthoracic-transfrenic approach is feasible and safe, allowing the surgical resolution in one time through a single incision, without another anesthetic procedure or subsequent laparotomy, with low morbidity and mortality.