The preliminary experience of intercostal video-mediastinoscopy in clinical application / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the value of intercostal video mediastinoscopy (VMS) in clinical application. Methods: The clinical data of 126 patients treated with intercostal VMS were summarized retrospectively. Of them, 8 patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion underwent intercostal VMS pleural biopsy and talc poudrage pleurodesis, 118 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis underwent bilateral intercostal VMS sympathectomy. Results: Definitive pathologic diagnosis has been made through VMS pleural biopsy in pleural effusion group, and the efficiency of talc pleurodesis was 100%(8/8). In 118 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis, the symptom of hands sweating disappeared completely after operation. Both hands became dry with an increasing skin temperature of 1 5℃～3 0℃ immediately after operation. No recurrence was recorded during the follow up. No mortality and morbidity were reported in this group. Conclusion: Comparing with VATS, intercostal VMS is easier to operate and less invasive. It is an effective and alternative procedure in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion and palmar hyperhidrosis.