American Oncology Institute Successfully Treats Rare Case of OMG

GUNTUR: American Oncology Institute, Guntur is pleased to announce the successful treatment of a 45-year-old male patient with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) and anterior mediastinal thymoma. Ocular myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids. The symptoms of ocular myasthenia gravis include double vision (seeing two images instead of one), trouble focusing, and drooping eyelids. In this particular case, the patient's condition was complicated by the presence of an anterior mediastinal thymoma, a tumor located in the thymus gland situated behind the breastbone.

Kranti Thumma (name changed) was presented with the complaint of bilateral PTOSIS (drooping of both upper eye lids). The symptoms were visible in the later half of the day compared to morning. After further evaluation and investigation, the patient in consultation with the family was recommended for VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic) thymectomy.

Dr Phanindra Kumar Nagisetty, Consultant Surgical Oncologist led the surgical procedure along with Dr Chandana Vemuri, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Dr Sai Babu, Anesthesiology. The procedure known as right-sided VATS thymectomy was performed thoracoscopically with a small incision for specimen retrieval. The minimally invasive surgical procedure unlike traditional sternotomy involves making small incisions and using a thoracoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to visualize and remove the thymus gland. The approach resulted in reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery for the patient.

Elaborating on the procedure, Dr Phanindra Kumar Nagisetty, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, said, "This case presented unique challenges due to the simultaneous presence of ocular myasthenia gravis and an anterior mediastinal thymoma. By performing the right-sided VATS thymectomy thoracoscopically, we were able to effectively remove the thymus gland and the tumor, while minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure and promoting a quicker recovery for the patient."

Mahendra Reddy, Regional Chief Operating Officer, said, “The successful outcome of this complex case highlights AOI’s commitment to providing innovative and personalized cancer care. By employing cutting-edge technologies and leveraging the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients facing challenging conditions. We at AOI are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and we will continue to explore new treatment modalities and techniques to ensure the highest level of care for our patients."