A mediastinoscopy procedure is conducted when there is a suspicion of infection or cancer in the lungs and in the area around the lungs. This area is known as the mediastinum and is the area that is worked on during the mediastinoscopy procedure. The mediastinoscopy procedure is an invasive procedure that involves an incision being made in the upper chest either above or below the left side of the breast bone. Mediastinoscopy is a scope-based procedure which means that there is a scope inserted into the incision which is used to look around the area for any obvious signs of infection or damage.
It is common for a doctor to conduct a mediastinoscopy with biopsy. A biopsy involves the collection of a sample of tissue from some damaged part of the body. This sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Biopsy collection is one of the methods used to diagnose cancer. In the case of a mediastinoscopy procedure, it may be used to diagnose cancer as well as many other medical conditions that could affect the area such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis or lymph node infections. The mediastinoscopy for lymph nodes analysis is also conducted in the same way.
As with any invasive medical procedure, there are some risks that must be taken into account before a patient signs up for the procedure. There are some mediastinoscopy complications that can occur with this procedure. The first such complication involves the development of an infection. This is rather ironic as the procedure itself is often used to detect infections. However, the incision may allow infectious material to enter the body. This is why a mediastinoscopy is conducted in a hospital environment where adequate care is taken to sterilize the room as well as the equipment that is being used.
One may also suffer from shock-related conditions when undergoing a mediastinoscopy. There have been cases, although rare, where patients suffer from breathing problems during such a procedure. There is always the risk of physical damage occurring if the equipment being used scars or damages the tissues within the body.
A mediastinoscopy or cervical mediastinoscopy as it is also called usually takes a few hours and is conducted with the patient under full anesthesia. This is to ensure that the patient does not move while the delicate procedure of inserting the scope is taking place.
The patient may be allowed to return home once he or she is fully recovered from the effects of the anesthesia. In case a disease has been detected during the procedure, the doctors may elect to go in for treatment immediately. Other information on the care to be taken after the procedure, the mediastinoscopy cpt code and so on is best got from the presiding doctor.