title: The contribution of anterior mediastinotomy in the diagnosis and evaluation of diseases of the mediastinum and lung.
abstract: Our experience with 62 consecutive patients who underwent anterior mediastinotomy is presented. A wide range of histological diagnoses was achieved. The highest yield was achieved for mediastinal masses. The overall diagnostic specificity was 64.5% and the diagnostic sensitivity was 98%. However, patient morbidity and mortality were 16.1% and 1.6%, respectively. Therefore, specific guidelines for the procedure are presented.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*