title: Intraoperative strategy in patients with extended involvement of mediastinal structures.
abstract: The mediastinum is a virtual space containing several vital organs and structures. Biopsy and resection of lesions located within this region often require several considerations that bear on intraoperative strategy. To optimize outcome, clinicians must be able to predict which patients are at highest risk of anesthetic complications. Superior vena cava involvement, extensive compression of the airway, and pericardial effusion have a clear impact on the decision-making of the anesthetist and surgeon, who should plan together when forming the surgical strategy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Ospedale S. Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy. domenico.massullo@fastwebnet.it
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Massullo
authors.forename: Pia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Di Benedetto
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pinto
mesh_terms: D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*