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. 2024 Feb 20;13(2):225–235. doi: 10.21037/gs-23-453

Table 3. Advantages and disadvantages of each surgical approach.

Approach Advantages Disadvantages
Subxiphoid Easy identification of bilateral phrenic nerves Deep perception and limited forceps movement
Good view of the thymus in the cervical region Not suitable for tumors with vascular invasion
Transcervical Low cost Not suitable for thymoma cases
Not suitable for cases where the neck cannot be extended
Inframammary Low cost Not suitable for tumors with vascular invasion
Direct incision possible
Median sternotomy Directly palpable and provides a wide surgical field of view Extension of hospitalization period
Applicable even if you have a history of radiation therapy Increased bleeding
Combined resection of blood vessels is possible Big scar