A series of tests is typically required prior to the day of surgery and may include a physical exam, blood tests, and lab work.
You will meet with the anesthesiologist and the surgeon to discuss the procedure. The surgeon may make marks on your body to show where incisions will be made.
You will be given an IV that administers blood or fluids during the surgery. A catheter will be inserted.
General anesthesia is used for this surgery, so you will be asleep during both preparation and surgery. A breathing tube and an epidural will be administered to help control pain and allow you to go to sleep.
Once the patient is anesthetized, mediastinal tumor resection can be performed through either one large or several small incisions. Traditional mediastinal tumor resection utilizes a large, central incision in the chest, while video-assisted mediastinal tumor resection utilizes several small incisions, a video camera inserted into one incision, and miniature surgical instruments inserted through the other incisions.
Chest tubes may be inserted to help facilitate drainage of fluid and air from the chest cavity.
The breathing tube is removed, but the epidural remains in place to control pain as you awake from surgery. A clear liquid diet is given following the surgery.
Approximately between 1-4 hours, depending on the type of surgery
General anesthesia prevents pain during the surgery, and an epidural eases discomfort immediately following the surgery. Tenderness of the site is common upon discharge, but this can be managed with pain medication.
Complications depend on the type of surgery performed to remove the tumor. In a minimally-invasive technique, risk factors include:
- Damage to the areas surrounding the tumor, including the heart, pericardium, and spinal cord
- Fluid collecting in between the lung tissue lining and the wall of the chest cavity
- Drainage, infection, or bleeding following the surgery
The average hospital stay is approximately four days, but varies based on the type of surgery performed.
Once released from the hospital, you should avoid lifting any objects heavier than five pounds. You are also asked not to drive for four to six weeks, but walking at least twice a day is encouraged. Fatigue typically lasts no longer than three to four weeks.
No rehabilitation therapy is required following this surgery.
Treatment usually continues following surgery, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
