Mediastinotomy Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a mediastinotomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Hoarseness
• Chylothorax—leakage of lymphatic fluid into the chest
• Damage to organs in the chest
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Previous mediastinoscopy (a tube that lets your doctor see into your chest)
• Previous chest or neck surgery
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes or other chronic conditions

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before a mediastinotomy.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding from the wound
• Chest pain
• Swelling in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness that lasts more than a few days or worsens
• Shortness of breath
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.