[Risks and complications on mediastinoscopy (author's transl)].

Own experiences on 2500 cases of mediastinoscopy. Risks concerning the indication for the mediastinoscopy. Summary of complications with regard to 19 other authors including 12 161 mediastinoscopies. Most appearing complications: Lesions of the nervus recurrens. Lesions of the bigger vessels avoidable by concerning the local anatomy. Recommendations for emergency cases.