Mediastinoscopy with biopsy

How the test is performed:

This procedure is done in the hospital. You will be given a general anesthesia. An incision is made in the chest after an endotracheal tube has been inserted. The mediastinoscope is inserted through the incision into the chest cavity. Tissue samples are taken, usually of the lymph nodes. The scope is then withdrawn, and the incision is closed with stitches.

How to prepare for the test:

You must sign an informed consent form. You will not be able to have food or fluid 8 hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

You will be asleep during the procedure. There will be some tenderness at the site of the incision afterward. You may have a sore throat after the test.

Why the test is performed:

This procedure is used in diagnosing a variety of diseases when other tests such as sputum cytology, lung scans, radiography, and bronchoscopic biopsies do not indicate a diagnosis.