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Mediastinoscopy with biopsy   

Overview | Risks | Results

Definition:

The mediastinum is the space that separates the 2 lungs and contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and various vessels. The mediastinoscopy is a procedure in which a lighted instrument (mediastinoscope) is inserted through a neck incision to visually examine the structures in the chest cavity. A sample (biopsy) may be taken with the mediastinoscope.

How the Test is Performed

This procedure is done in the hospital. You will be given a general anesthesia. An incision is made in the chest after an endotracheal tube has been inserted. The mediastinoscope is inserted through the neck incision into the mid-part of the chest. Tissue samples are taken, usually of the lymph nodes. The scope is then withdrawn, and the incision is closed with stitches.

How to Prepare for the Test

You must sign an informed consent form. You will not be able to have food or fluid 8 hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

You will be asleep during the procedure. There will be some tenderness at the site of the incision afterward. You may have a sore throat after the test.

Why the Test is Performed

This procedure is used in diagnosing a variety of diseases when other tests such as sputum cytology, lung scans, radiography, and bronchoscopic biopsies do not indicate a diagnosis. It is also used to assist in the staging of patients with lung cancer.

Ency. home > Test > M > Mediastinoscopy with biopsy

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