The value of mediastinoscopy in the management of thoracic disease

Background: Mediastinoscopy is a commonly used method in the diagnostic evaluation of diseases of the chest. Since its introduction by Carlens in 1959, it has been established as one of the gold standard techniques for the evaluation of thoracic disease, especially lung cancer. Recent reports indicate that this method is underutilized in the community practice. Methods and material: We performed a retrospective chart review of 287 patients who had mediastinoscopy between 2004 and 2009. Of the 287 patients selected for this study, 57 % were males and 43 % females. The average age of the patients' was 63 years with 234 patients being between 50 and 80 years old. One hundred and ninety eight patients were diagnosed with cancer, while 89 had non-malignant diseases. Of the 198 patients diagnosed with cancer, 107 had metastatic disease, 65 of which were diagnosed with mediastinoscopy, while the remaining 42 patients required further diagnostic procedures. Results: The complication rate was only 0. 014 % with 3 patients having complications. Conclusions: Mediastinoscopy is a safe and effective procedure in the diagnosis and management of thoracic disease.