Mediastinoscopic subtotal removal of mediastinal cysts.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the use of mediastinoscopy in the surgical diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal cystic masses in adults.

DESIGN

Case reports and literature review.

SETTING

Academic department of surgery.

PATIENTS

Three consecutive adults with mediastinal masses identified on plain radiographs and CT.

INTERVENTIONS

Operative mediastinoscopy.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

All patients were successfully treated with removal of cyst wall, establishment of diagnosis, and same-day hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple mediastinoscopic removal of mediastinal cysts offers the same potential for diagnosis and treatment as more conventional methods, with a potential for less morbid and more cost-effective care.