Mediastinoscopy

Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedurethat enables visualization of the contents of the mediastinum, usually for the purpose of obtaining a biopsy. Mediastinoscopy is often used for staging of lymph nodesof lung cancer.

Mediastinoscopy involves making an incision approximately 1 cmabove the suprasternal notchof the sternum, or breast bone. Dissection is carried out down to the pretracheal space and down to the carina. A scope (mediastinoscope) is then advanced into the created tunnel which provides a view of the mediastinum. The scope may provide direct visualization or may be attached to a video monitor.

Mediastinoscopy provides access to mediastinal lymph node levels 2, 4, and 7.

Extended mediastinoscopy

Extended mediastinocopy is a technique which allows access to the pre-aortic (level 6) and aortopulmonary window (level 5) lymph nodes.

Parasternal mediastinotomy

A left anterior parasternal mediastinotomy is also called the Chamberlain procedure. It involves an incision in the left third intercostal space, and allows access to levels 5 and 6 lymph node stations.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediastinoscopy Wikipedia article Mediastinoscopy.