Mediastinoscopy

How To Prepare

You will be asked to sign a consent form before mediastinoscopy. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. Be sure to discuss with your doctor what may be done following each possible biopsy result. If a lymph node contains cancer, surgery may be done to remove the cancer while you are still asleep. To help you understand the importance of this procedure, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).

Before you have a mediastinoscopy, tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking any medicines.
• Have allergies to any medicines, including anesthetics.
• Have any bleeding problems or take blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
• Are or might be pregnant.

Also, certain conditions may make it more difficult to do a mediastinoscopy. Let your doctor know if you have:

• Had a mediastinoscopy or open-heart surgery in the past. The scarring from the first procedure may make it difficult to do a second procedure.
• A history of neck problems or a neck injury, especially hyperextension of the neck.
• Any physical problems of your chest, including those that have been present since birth (congenital).
• Recently had radiation therapy to the neck or chest.

You will receive general anesthesia and be asleep during the mediastinoscopy. To prepare for your procedure:

• Your doctor will tell you how soon before the procedure to stop eating and drinking. In most cases, you will need to stop eating at least 6 hours before your procedure. You may be able to drink clear liquids, such as water, coffee, or tea, up to 2 hours before the procedure. But be sure to follow the exact instructions your doctor gives you. If you take daily medicines, ask your doctor whether you should take them on the day of the procedure.
• Leave your jewelry at home. Any jewelry you wear will need to be removed before the procedure.
• Remove glasses, contact lenses, and dentures or a removable bridge just prior to the procedure. These will be given back to you as soon as you wake up after the procedure.
• Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure if you do not need to stay in the hospital.

Your doctor may order certain blood tests, such as a complete blood count or bleeding factors, before your procedure.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: March 10, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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