The figure-L unilateral transternal small incision for the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumor / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility and advantage of the small figure-L unilateral transternal incision for the treatment of anteri or mediastinal tumor. Methods Twenty-four patients with anteri or mediastinal tumor were enrolled in the study. Under general anesthesia, after a 6 to 10 cm midline skin incision was made, a unilateral figure-L partial ste rnotomy on the side occupied by the tumor was made in the second or third interc ostals space, taking into account the tumor size and location. Tumors were resec ted with excellent exposure. Results All tumors were completely resected during the operation. In 8 cases, tumors encroached on the adjacent lu ng tissue, and lung tissue was partially resected. In 6 cases, tumors invaded th e pericardium, and the pericardium was partially removed. Mean operating time wa s 106 minutes (80~125 minutes). The mean time of hospital stay was 5 days after the operation, and there was no complication. All patients were alive with a mea n follow-up period of 14 months (3~24 months). Conclusion The figure-L unilateral mini-sternotomy is considered as an effective and useful mi nimally invasive approach for anterior mediastinal tumors.