Mediastinoscopy - another Milestone in Modern Lung Cancer Treatment at the Lung Center at Döbling Private Hospital

What is mediastinoscopy?

Mediastinoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that examines the space between the lungs (the mediastinum). Since lung cancer cells often spread via the lymphatic vessels, metastases are particularly common in the lymph nodes of the mediastinum.

If enlarged lymph nodes are already visible on a CT scan, a visual examination of the mediastinum (mediastinoscopy) is advisable for further investigation. Mediastinoscopy can be used both diagnostically and therapeutically to remove mediastinal lymph nodes.

How is the procedure performed?

A small incision is made directly above the sternum, through which a probe with a mediastinoscope equipped with a camera is inserted. This allows to assess the spread of the tumor in the space between the lungs. Tissue can be removed using small forceps or a needle. Video-assisted mediastinoscopy (VAM) is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes. The patient is admitted to the hospital for 2-3 days.

What is the main advantage?

During radical lung cancer surgery, the mediastinal lymph nodes must also be removed. If the cancer surgery and lymph node removal are performed on only one side, potentially affected lymph nodes on the other side cannot be removed. Video-assisted mediastinal lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) allows for bilateral lymph node removal. It is an innovative method in thoracic surgery with clear advantages from both an oncological and physiological perspective.

The combination of VATS lobectomy and VAMLA is the most radical yet gentle form of surgical treatment for lung cancer. It is offered at only a very few centers in Europe. These are highly sophisticated surgical procedures that should only be performed by experienced surgeons. Prof. Müller has extensive experience and has conducted in-depth scientific research in this technology.