Pronunciation: Mee-dee-a-STYE-nul
This is surgery to remove tumors in the area of the chest cavity that separates the lungs.
Malignant (cancerous) tumors must be removed to prevent the spread of cancer. Without removal or treatment, the cancer could spread to other areas of the body. The cancer could also start to compress organs in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, or esophagus.
Patients who undergo this surgery often have a better prognosis than those who receive either radiation or chemotherapy .
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have mediastinal tumor resection, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Before the surgery, your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to the surgery:
General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.
You will have a breathing tube and be given an IV. The IV will be used to give you medicines and fluids during the surgery.
To remove the tumor, the doctor will either make one large, central incision in the chest or several small incisions. If several small incisions are made, a camera will be inserted into one incision. The camera will allow the doctor to view the area via monitor. Through the other incisions, surgical tools will be inserted.
The doctor may insert tubes in your chest. These tubes will help to drain fluid and air from the chest cavity. The incisions will be closed with staples or stitches.
The breathing tube will be removed. You will be monitored closely for any complications from the procedure.
About 1-4 hours (depending on the type of surgery)
The anesthesia will ease discomfort after surgery. It is common for the surgical area to be tender. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.
This surgery is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is four days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
After surgery, you may need chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
In the hospital, you will be given a clear liquid diet . You will be instructed to practice deep breathing and coughing to help your lungs recover.
Once you are home, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, including:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm/
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
References:
Flores RM. Surgical management of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors. The Cardiothoracic Surgery Network website. Available at: http://www.ctsnet.org/sections/clinicalresources/thoracic/expert_tech-3.html. Updated May 2005. Accessed March 1, 2007.
Khatri VP, Asensio JA. Operative Surgery Manual. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.
Liu HP, Yim AP, Wan J, et al. Thorascopic removal of intrathoracic neurogenic tumors: a combined Chinese experience. Annals of Surgery. 2000;232:187-190.
Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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