title: Cervical mediastinoscopy after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy: its feasibility.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Katsuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: Pankaj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goldstraw
mesh_terms: 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