Video-assisted thoracoscopic treatment of benign mediastinal masses: analysis of 44 cases

Abstract

Aim Compared with the conventional surgical procedures, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an alternative method for the management of thoracic pathologies. Along with recent advances, this method has become a standard approach to benign mediastinal lesions. In this study, it’s aimed to emphasize the usefulness of VATS for the treatment of benign mediastinal masses.Methods In this study, 44 cases that were diagnosed with benign mediastinal mass operated by VATS in a single thoracic surgery department between January 2009 and January 2015 were evaluated retrospectively and compared to literature data. The cases were analyzed according to age, sex, symptoms, signs, diagnostic procedures, pathological findings and postoperative complications in the early period.Results Forty-four benign mediastinal lesions approached with VATS were included in the study. The average age of the cases was 49, and 28 of them were female while 16 were male, 27.3 % of cases were asymptomatic. The most frequent symptoms were: shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. In all cases, complete resection was performed by using VATS technique. Postoperative complication rate was 9.1% and 4.5% of those was prolonged air leak. During the follow-up period recurrence has been developed in only 2 cases.Conclusion The localization and pathologic diagnosis of the lesions are determinant for the treatment of benign mediastinal masses. Surgical approach with VATS plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal lesions. VATS should be preferred priority in surgical treatment of mediastinal masses and cysts, due to postoperative advantages.

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