ABSTRACT
Purpose:Discuss the clinicat value of video-mediastinoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of intrathoracic diseases. Methods:From Oct.2002 to Jun.2003, 58 cases were examined and treated by video-mediastinoscopy. Of these patients,48 case were examined(the examination group) and 10 cases were treated(the treatment group). In the examination group, standard mediastinoscopy was applied in 40 cases, extended mediastinoscopy was applied in 8 cases. In the treatment group,9 cases of palmar hyperhidrosis were treated by thoracic sympathectomy,1 case of pericardial liparomphalus was resected. Results:In the examination group, 47 cases obtained definite pathological diagnoses, and 5 cases had complications. In the treatment group,no complications occurred. Conclusions:Video-mediastinoscopy is a valuable procedure to clarify diagnosis and to stage lung cancer, or in the diagnosis of mediastinal mass. It can also be used in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, pericardial liparomphalus and pericardial cyst.