Why is this procedure done?
The mediastinum is the area inside your chest between your lungs. This area includes your heart, esophagus, trachea, thymus, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. Mediastinal tumors are masses that grow in this area. The tumors can be cancers but may not be. ‚
Surgery is done to remove the tumor in the mediastinum. It is done through an open or laparoscopic surgery. Your doctor can help you decide what procedure is best for you. ‚
- Open surgery ¢ ˆ ’ A cut is made in the chest to see the structures inside your mediastinum
- Laparoscopic surgery ¢ ˆ ’ Uses a small tube with a tiny camera to see your mediastinum
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What will the results be?
The tumor will be gone. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scans
- PET scan
- Needle biopsy
- Tissue sample
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- When you are asleep, your doctor will put a breathing tube or mask on your face to help you breathe. Your doctor may also put another small tube in your chest. This one will help drain out any fluid or air that might come from your chest.
- In an open surgery, your doctor will make one large cut on the front of your chest. A small piece of your rib is removed to see the inside of your mediastinum. The tumor will be removed.
- In a laparoscopic surgery, your doctor will make a small cut on your chest. Your doctor will put a small tube with a tiny camera into the opening to see the mediastinum. The camera will allow your doctor to see the inside structure of your mediastinum. Your doctor uses small tools in the laparoscope to remove the tumor.
- The tumor will be sent to the lab for testing. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes 1 to 4 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room after the surgery. The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Your doctor may leave a tube inside the cut to drain the air and blood out of the surgical site. Your doctor will remove this after 1 to 2 days.
- The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake and strong enough to breathe on your own. You may have a sore throat afterwards. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- Your doctor may take a chest x-ray to check for bleeding or other problems inside your chest.
- You may need to stay in the hospital for a short period of time based on your condition.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
- If you have had an open surgery, hold a pillow against your chest when coughing, sneezing, or changing body position. This will help prevent pain.
- Do light activities. Slowly increase your activities as you feel better and get stronger.
- If you have a sore throat, gargle with warm water or take throat lozenges. Your doctor may give you pain relievers for this.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet and may also help lower the risk of lung cancer.
- Be active. Exercise can help lower fatigue and low mood. If you feel tired, balance your activity with rest. Ask your doctor an exercise plan that is right for you.
What problems could happen?
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚