Definition

A mediastinotomy is surgery to make a small opening in the space between the lungs (mediastinum).

The Lungs (Cut-away View) Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to examine the lungs and chest. It may be used with a biopsy to check for:

• Cancer of the lungs, airways, and chest tissue
• Lymphoma—cancer in the lymphatic system, such as Hodgkin disease
• Infection
• Sarcoidosis —a condition that affects the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, and spleen

It is also done to see if lung cancer has spread.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Damage to other organs or structures
• Leakage of lymphatic fluid into the chest (chylothorax)
• Pneumothorax—air that gets trapped between the lungs and chest wall

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Drinking
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge from the incision
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.