Cardiothoracic surgeon Miguel Gomez, M.D.
with Rebecca Vicchrilli the day after her
thymectomy surgery was performed.

A woman travels from Utah to Methodist Houston Hospital to undergo surgical Treatment for a rare disorder, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS.
November 15, 2011

A 40-year old mother of six traveled to Houston from Lehi, Utah to undergo removal of her thymus gland at Methodist West Houston Hospital last Friday, Veteran’s Day.  Under the care of cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Gomez, the procedure was successfully performed and Rebecca Vicchrilli “Becca” was able to board a plane home three days after her 48-hour stay in the hospital.

The prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG) in the United States is estimated to be 20 out of every 100,000 individuals.  The most common form is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by fluctuating weakness of the voluntary muscle groups. Complete removal of the thymus gland, thymectomy, is an established treatment for moderate to severe myasthenia gravis weakness in patients younger than 60. Thymectomy is believed to improve long-term outcomes for MG patients, with the goal of complete elimination of all weakness and cessation of all medications.

“Because of the robotic surgical option, patients are now often referred to a surgeon soon after diagnosis.  About 80 – 90% of patients benefit from the surgery, a third have symptom reduction, a third have concurrent symptom and medication reductions and the final third go into remission, their symptoms are resolved and medications are no longer necessary,” said Dr. Gomez. “Robotic surgery offers significant advantages because it is less invasive, results in less blood loss and reduces recovery time.  The fist-sized gland sits within the protected area of the chest, with finger-like extensions into the neck.   With this minimally-invasive technology, we are able to completely remove the gland without cracking the chest.  I have performed over 100 of these surgeries and patients’ experience has been extremely positive. This patient is recovering well and will be back to her normal routines in no time.”
     
An amazing part of Ms. Vicchrilli’s story is how she came to be a patient of Dr. Gomez’s. The technologically-advanced, robotic surgery is not available near her home. After consultation with her neurologist determined the procedure was the optimal option, she asked members of her online MG forum for suggestions and learned about successful robotic surgeries performed by Dr. Gomez.  After further research and consultation, the surgery was scheduled and Ms. Vicchrilli flew to Houston.   

Ms. Vicchrilli and her daughter were accompanied by a friend and fellow MG patient, who flew from Dallas to be with them during the surgery.  While the two women had corresponded online, this was their first meeting.  Ms. Vicchrilli’s friend underwent a transsternal thymectomy, where the gland is removed after vertically splitting the breastbone, similar to open heart surgery. Recovery time spent in the hospital can be up to a week.  Back online she later posted, “Becca underwent the two-hour robotic surgery on Friday, came off the vent easily and was released the next day, it is amazing.”