Definition

The mediastinum is an area in the chest between the sternum and the spine in back. A mediastinal tumor resection removes abnormal tissue in this area.

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Reasons for Procedure

Tumors in this area can put pressure on heart, lungs, spine and esophagus. It can also effect nearby nerves and blood vessels. This surgery can help to remove the tumors to ease any problems they may have caused. It is often part of treatment for cancer in this area.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, such as:

• Damage to the areas surrounding the tumor, including the heart, lungs, and spinal cord
• Fluid collecting between the lung tissue lining and the wall of the chest cavity
• Lung collapse
• Drainage, infection, or bleeding

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
• Use of blood thinning medicine (anticoagulant or antiplatelet)
• Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medicine

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Alert your doctor to any problems such as:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
• Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given
• Cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain
• Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
• New or worsening symptoms

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