Mediastinoscopy

Purpose

A mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure in which the area in the central part of the chest can be examined. This space contains the heart and major blood vessels, the esophagus and trachea (windpipe) as well as many lymph nodes. This procedure is usually performed to establish a diagnosis when there are enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum. The lymph nodes around the windpipe can be enlarged for a number of different reasons, sometimes related to a cancer, but often not. The physician can see the site of the disease and biopsy any abnormal tissue or enlarged lymph glands.

Procedure

This procedure is performed by a surgeon in a hospital setting, usually as an outpatient. After general anesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the neck, just above the breastbone and inserts a lighted scope to visualize inside this cavity. The lymph nodes in your mediastinum will be biopsied and sent to the lab for study.

After the Procedure

You will be monitored carefully while you recover from the general anesthetic. Most patients are able to go home later the same day. You will temporarily experience tenderness at the incision site. Some swelling and bruising are also common, lasting a few days. Although complications are rare, you should notify your physician if you develop fever, difficulty breathing or rapid heartbeat. The stitches used to close the incision will dissolve, so you will not have any stitches to be removed. After 48 hours, you may remove the bandage and wash the area with soap and water or shower. You may resume taking your medications and your normal diet immediately after surgery.