Reconstruction of the superior vena cava in a patient with a thymoma.

Abstract

Surgical treatment was attempted in a 71-year-old man who had superior vena caval syndrome caused by incomplete obstruction of the superior vena cava with a thymoma. Using a temporary internal shunt, the superior vena cava was almost entirely resected together with the tumor and reconstructed by autogenous venous grafts. Patency of the reconstructed vein was proved by angiography one year after the operation. He has been asymptomatic for 15 months after surgery.