Mediastinotomy Overview

The mediastinum is the area in the middle of the chest between the lungs. A mediastinotomy is the creation of a small opening in the upper chest into the mediastinum. This opening allows the doctor to examine the area between and in front of the lungs.

The Lungs (Cut-away View) © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to the Procedure

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and ask you to sign a consent form. You will be asked to stop eating and drinking for 8-10 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you whether you should:

• Take any medicines before the procedure

• Stop medicines like insulin , aspirin , or blood-thinning medicines

On the day of the procedure:

• You will be asked to remove any jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, or dentures.

• You may be given medicines to help you feel sleepy and relaxed.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies.

• You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Anesthesia

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. Once you are sedated, a breathing tube will be placed in your throat to help you breathe.

Description of the Procedure

• You will lie on your back on an operating table.

• Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.

• The doctor will make a small cut in your chest.

• The doctor will move your muscles aside so that she can examine the space between your lungs and heart.

• She may take tissue samples from your lungs, lymph nodes, or other parts of your chest.

• When the procedure is finished, she will close the opening with stitches.

• The wound will be covered with a dressing.

Immediately After the Procedure

After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room. If all is well, your breathing tube will be removed. The tissue samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing.

How Long Will It Take?

30 minutes to 2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

General anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Your doctor may give you pain medicine for pain and tenderness after the procedure.

Average Hospital Stay

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.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

• You will be taken to the recovery room after the procedure until the anesthetic wears off.

• Your doctor may order a chest x-ray to check for bleeding or air inside your chest space.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• You may feel sleepy for several hours or even 1-2 days following anesthesia. Do not drive during this time.
• You may have a sore throat from the tube placement.

• Use throat lozenges.
• Gargle with warm water.
• Keep your wound clean and dry.

• Wash your hands before touching the wound.
• Use a soft washcloth to gently wipe the wound with soap and water.
• Change the dressing as instructed by your doctor.
• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/

American Thoracic Society
http://www.thoracic.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

References:

Kellicker PG. Lymph node biopsy. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15&topicID=81 . Updated November 11, 2010. Accessed May 10, 2010.

Mason RJ, Broadduss VC, Murray JF, Nadel JA. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th Ed. 2005: Saunders. Available at: www.mdconsult.com . Accessed May 10, 2010.

Medline Plus. Mediastinoscopy with biopsy. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://lungcancer.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=lungcancer&cdn=health&tm=5&f=20&su=p284.9.336.ipp736.9.336.ip&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003864.htm . Accessed May 10, 2010.

Pinto S. Sarcoidosis. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=860 . Published June 29, 2005. Updated November 11, 2008. Accessed May 10, 2010.