The mediastinum is the area in the middle of the chest between the lungs. A mediastinoscopy is a procedure to look at this area inside the chest. A tube with a light (mediastinoscope) is placed into the upper chest through a small opening (mediastinotomy). The light allows the doctor to see the area.
This is done to examine the lungs and chest. Tissue samples may be taken (biopsy). These samples are viewed under a microscope to check for diseases, such as:
Mediastinoscopy is also done to find out if lung cancer has spread.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have mediastinoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Discuss these risks with your doctor before this procedure.
You will need to stop eating and drinking for 8-10 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you whether you should:
The day of the procedure:
You will receive a general anesthetic through an IV in your hand or arm. This will block any pain and keep you asleep throughout the procedure. When you are sedated, a breathing tube will be placed in your throat to help you breathe.
You will lie on the operating table on your back. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A small cut will be made at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. The muscles of your lower neck will be separated. The mediastinoscope will be placed through the opening. The light from the mediastinoscope will help the doctor see the space between your lungs and heart. Tissue samples may be taken from the lymph nodes or other parts of your chest. The mediastinoscope will be removed and the opening will be closed with stitches. The wound will be covered with a dressing.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room. A chest x-ray may be ordered to check for bleeding or air inside your chest space.
The tissue samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing.
30 minutes to 2 hours
General anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You may be given medication to manage pain and tenderness after the procedure.
This procedure can be done in an outpatient setting or as part of your hospital stay. The usual length of stay is up to 24 hours if there are no unforeseen complications. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Once at home, follow instructions on how to care for the wound to prevent infection. You may need to reduce your activity level until you feel better.
Contact your doctor if your recovery is not progressing as expected or you develop complications, such as:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Mediastinoscopy. Harvard Health Publications website. Available at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/mediastinoscopy.htm. Updated June 26, 2014. Accessed March 6, 2018.
6/6/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905141/Treatm...-for-tobacco-use: Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardAlan Drabkin, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.