What is mediastinoscopy? : The virtual space we call mediastinum, which is simply defined as the area between the heart and the lungs; it is the process of reaching this area by entering from the neck with a special tool (mediastinoscope) and advancing from the outside and in front of the trachea and taking samples from there. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, the patient is put to sleep during the procedure. The patient is admitted to the hospital on the morning of the surgery, in fact, they can be sent home after they are completely awake, but we prefer to keep the patient in the hospital for one night.
When is mediastinoscopy performed? : It is most commonly performed in the pre-operative staging of lung cancer. If cancer cells are seen in the lymph node biopsy taken from here, the patient is not recommended surgery and is directed to other treatment methods. It is secondarily used for the diagnosis of lymph nodes and masses located in the mediastinum. Is there any risk? When performed by experienced hands, it does not carry major risks, but it should not be forgotten that it is possible to encounter some problems in the procedure performed in a vital region rich in blood vessels. Death during this procedure is almost non-existent. (0.08%).
Side effects seen:
Bleeding
Respiratory tract injuries
Stroke
Respiratory tract injuries
Hoarseness
Wound site inflammation
Hematoma
Cardiac arrhythmia
Who this procedure is not performed on: Patients with extremely large goiter, inominal artery aneurysm, patients with permanent tracheostomy (a hole opened from the throat to the respiratory tract for breathing). It can also be performed for the second time and in those who have had heart surgery before, depending on the situation.