MYASTHENIA GRAVIS The Section of General Thoracic Surgery and the Department of Neurology at CPMC have enjoyed a close association and an international reputation in diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis. After years of careful clinical study at CPMC, Dr. Alfred Jaretzki III made major contributions to the surgical treatment of this disease. Based on his analysis of the embryonic derivation and surgical variations of the thymus gland, he devised an operation which has become the basis for the modern surgical treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis. Currently, improved preoperative preparation, which may include plasmapheresis, and improved perioperative support have combined to dramatically decrease hospital days and speed convalescence. Alfred Jaretzki, III, M.D., pioneered the surgical treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis that is successfully used at CPMC.