Transmediastinal approach to exploring the lung contralateral to the thoracotomy site.

OBJECTIVE

The approach to contralateral lung through the mediastinum is assumed useful in managing oddly distributed bilateral lung tumors.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

To remove a tumor located in the contralateral lung, a transmediastinal approach from the thoracotomy site to the contralateral lung was used in 6 patients having oddly distributed bilateral lung tumors, 1 of which was located in the contralateral lung close to the anterior or posterior mediastinum.

RESULTS

All cases were treated successfully. One patient required an additional small incision on the contralateral anterior chest wall to insert an endoscopic stapler without intraoperative postural change. The postoperative course was uneventful and, to date, no local recurrence has been seen at the resected margin of the contralateral lung.

CONCLUSION

This novel approach is useful, offering the advantages of reduced invasiveness and pain, shorter surgical duration, and favorable cosmetic results for patients with a tumor close to the mediastinum in the contralateral lung.