Type of Surgery
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Last updated: 02/17/2009
A less invasive technique is ultrasound. However, it is not as specific as mediastinoscopy, and the information obtained is not as useful in making a diagnosis.
Although still performed, there is a decline in the use of mediastinoscopy as a result...
of advancements in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrosonography techniques. In addition, improved fine-needle aspiration (withdrawing fluid using suction) results of and core-needle biopsy (using a needle to obtain a small tissue sample) investigations, along with new techniques in thoracoscopy (examination of the thoracic cavity with a lighted instrument called a thoracoscope) offer additional options in examining masses in the mediastinum. Mediastinoscopy may be required when other methods cannot be used or when they provide inconclusive results.
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Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure that enables visualization of the contents of the mediastinum, usually for the purpose of obtaining a biopsy. Mediastinoscopy is often used for staging of lymph nodes of lung cancer or for diagnosing other conditions effecting structures in the mediastinum such as sarcoidosis or lymphoma.
Mediastinoscopy involves making an incision approximately 1 cm above the suprasternal notch of the sternum, or breast bone. Dissection is carried out down to the pretracheal space and down to the carina. A scope (mediastinoscope) is then advanced into the created tunnel which provides a view of the mediastinum. The scope may provide direct visualization or may be attached to a video monitor.
Mediastinoscopy provides access to mediastinal lymph node levels 2, 4, and 7.
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