Prevention of a phrenic nerve palsy following left anterior mediastinotomy.
A left phrenic nerve palsy was observed following left anterior mediastinotomy performed for staging of a left upper lobe tumour. Since no evidence of mediastinal spread of the tumour was found, a left upper lobectomy was subsequently performed. Oedema (but no evidence of tumour) was seen around the phrenic nerve in the region of the previous mediastinotomy. As a result of this experience we have altered our technique of left anterior mediastinotomy.
Merrick
A F
AF
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK.
Odom
N J
NJ
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000601:surgery*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D010791:Phrenic Nerve; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods