Search

Thymic tumors are classified as epithelial neoplasm, thymic carcinoids, and thymic carcinoma. Differentiation between benignity and malignancy of thymic epithelial tumors is determined on the basis of local tissue invasion. Surgery is the treatment of choice for locally invasive disease without signs of metastasis. We present a patient who underwent en bloc tumor excision with reconstruction of the mediastinal venous confluence using pericardium.

Satisfactory results obtained, lasting for years in some cases, following azygos-portal disconnection in selected patients with bleeding oesophageal varices, portal hypertension, splenopathy and gastroduodenal ulcer are referred to. It is suggested that wider use should be made of this technique, particularly in patients in poor condition, because the long-term picture does not include the hyperammoniaemic encephalopathy often associated with extensive portosystemic shunts.