Complications of mediastinoscopic examinations: Report of 12 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the causes, prophylaxis, and treatment of the complications of mediastinoscopy. Methods Mediastinoscopy was performed in 262 consecutive patients from September 1981 to November 2005 in this hospital. Of them, 12 patients experienced preoperative or postoperative complications. Results During the operation, massive hemorrhage from branches of the innominate artery occurred in 1 patient. After the extension of cervical incision, the bleeding was stopped by pressure tamponade for 2 hours. Wound infection happened in 5 patients. One patient was clarified as having pulmonary tuberculosis, with enlargement and necrosis of mediastinal lymph nodes that led to the diabrosis of biopsy passage. The wound infection was cured by cut-open, drainage, and dressing changes. Wound infection in another 4 patients healed after dressing changes. Hoarseness of voice developed in 2 patients and spontaneously subsided at 1 and 3 postoperative months respectively. Two patients with abnormal electrocardiogram were treated with cedilanid. Pneumothorax was found in 2 patients and spontaneously healed at 4~6 days after operation. Conclusions Complications of mediastinoscopy can be avoided in experienced hands, on the basis of proficiency of mediastinal anatomy and careful surgical manipulation.