The Figure-L Unilateral Transternal Incision for the Treatment of Anterior Mediastinal Tumor and Cyst / 医学研究杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility of the small figure-L unilateral transternal incision for the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumor and cyst.Methods Eighteen patients with anterior mediastinal tumor or cyst were enrolled in the study.Under general anesthenia,after a 8to 10 cm middle skin incision was made,a unilateral figure-L partial sternotomy on the side occupied by the tumors was made in the third or forth intercostals space,taking into account the tumors size and location.Tumors were resected with excellent exposure.Results All but one tumors were completely resected during the operation.In 3 cases,tumors encroached on the adjacent lung tissue,and lung tissue was partially resected.In 2cases,tumors invaded the pericardium,and the pericardium was partially removed.Mean operating time was 120 minutes(80~140 minutes).The mean time of hospital stay was 10 days after the operation,and there was no complications.All patients were alive with a mean follow-up period of 24months(8~36 months).Conclusions The figure-L unilateral sternotomy is an effective and useful minimally invisive approach for anterior mediastinal tumors.