Cervical mediastinoscopy after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy: its feasibility.
OBJECTIVE
The feasibility of cervical mediastinoscopy after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy has not been documented.


METHODS
We describe our experience with cervical mediastinoscopy in two patients with total laryngectomy and radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma and had a Blom-Singer speaking tracheostomy valve in situ. Both patients presented with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and radiographic features suggesting a new pulmonary malignancy.


RESULTS
Rigid bronchoscopy and cervical mediastinoscopy were undertaken and paratracheal and subcarinal lymph nodes were biopsied. Both patients made uneventful post operative recovery. Mediastinal lymph node biopsy was definitive in deciding their further care.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical mediastinoscopy is feasible in patients with total laryngectomy, tracheostomy and radiotherapy.
Yamada
Katsuo
K
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
Kumar
Pankaj
P
Goldstraw
Peter
P
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D007825:Laryngectomy; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008481:Mediastinoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed