IS A 3RD MEDIASTINOSCOPY REALLY USEFUL

The value of a second remediastinoscopy in the diagnostic assessment o f neu or recurrent lung cancer have never been evaluated before, We re trospectively reviewed our experience with a third mediastinoscopy in the staging of lung cancer to define its role, In 13 patients a third mediastinoscopy was performed; in all cases the indication was suspect ed or proven new or recurrent lung cancer, All accessible lymph nodes were sampled, The technical aspects of the procedure are described, Ni ne patients with a negative third mediastinoscopy underwent subsequent surgery, four patients were not operated on, based on the positive hi stology and concomitant diseases, There were no major complications, R eremediastinoscopy can be performed safely and has proven to be helpfu l in defining potential surgical candidates, Mediastinal involvement c an be excluded in most.