Mediastinoscopic subtotal removal of mediastinal cysts.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the use of mediastinoscopy in the surgical diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal cystic masses in adults.


METHODS
Case reports and literature review.


METHODS
Academic department of surgery.


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


METHODS
Operative mediastinoscopy.


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.
Smythe
W R
WR
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
Bavaria
J E
JE
Kaiser
L R
LR
D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008476:Mediastinal Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008481:Mediastinoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed