Abstract
Objective. We report our experience with mediastinoscopy. Methods. Between 1994 and 2002, 54 patients underwent mediastinoscopy. From 1998, all patients underwent video- mediastinoscopy. Indications for mediastinoscopy were staging and confirmation of histology of lung cancer in 43 patients and confirmation of histology of other diseases in 11 patients. Results. Diagnoses were lung cancer in 44 patients, sardoidosis in 4, metastatic cancer in 3, malignant lymphoma, bronchogenic cyst, reactive lymphadenopathy in each 1. In lung cancer patients, N0/N1/N2/N3 was respectively 4 patients/1/26/13. Four patients with NO and 4 patients with N2 underwent surgery. Two operative complications occurred: a transient left recurrent nerve palsy and a bronchial injury. Conclusions. 1. Mediastinoscopy was a useful method in staging of lung cancer, confirmation of histology of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. 2. Video-mediastinoscopy was effective in nodal assessment of mediastinum and was useful in teaching, improving manifestation, and techniques for biopsy.
