2011 Volume 25 Issue 6 Pages 589-594
We performed an L- or reversed L-shaped mini-sternotomy combined with a supraclavicular approach for cervico-mediastinal tumor resection in three patients. In case 1, the tumor was a ganglioneuroma that originated from the left sympathetic trunk of the Th1, measuring 80×40×43 mm and located at the C7 to Th4 vertebral level. In case 2, the tumor was a neurofibroma that originated from the left sympathetic nerve, measuring 65×40×30 mm and located at the C7 to Th4 vertebral level. In case 3, the tumor was an intrathoracic goiter on the right side, measuring 75×40×40 mm and extending into the retrotracheal region at the level of the azygos arch. In all cases, an L-shaped mini-sternotomy was made at the tumor-side second intercostal space, without ligation of the internal thoracic vessels and opening the thoracic cavity. This combined approach, providing excellent exposure of the anterosuperior compartment of the mediastinum, was considered a safer and less invasive procedure for the resection of cervico-mediastinal tumors.
