[Anesthesia for transsternal thymectomy in myasthenia gravis]. / Anesthésie pour thymectomie trans-sternale dans la myasthénie grave.

Twenty-seven patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (moderate, severe and acute fulminating forms) who underwent thymectomy were studied. The effects of several anesthetic agents were analyzed with special attention being given to immunologic considerations. The authors conclude that the association of ketamine, tiapride, droperidol, fentanil and nitrous oxide allowed fast recovery of consciousness and spontaneous respiration, and made safe extubation possible before leaving the operating room.