[Contribution of transcervical mediastinoscopy and anterior mediastinostomy to the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphomas].

UNLABELLED

The aim of this study has been to assess the profitability of mediastinal explorations (transcervical mediastinoscopy and anterior mediastinostomy) in the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphomas within a short-stay surgery programme. Out of 129 mediastinal explorations conducted within a period of six years, 63 were programmed as short-stay surgery, 24 of which were due to mediastinal lymphomas. Fourteen patients were discharged from the hospital within the first twelve hours and ten patients, after 24 hours.

RESULTS

There were 11 cases of Hodgkin's lymphomas and 13 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. No immediate complications were developed by the patients, with just two minor complications which did not delay hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Mediastinal explorations (transcervical mediastinoscospy and anterior mediastinostomy) can be planned as short-stay surgery without any risks if they are conducted by groups with experience in these surgical techniques and provided with an adequate care infrastructure. This allows a more rationale usage of hospital resources without reducing the quality of care.