VATS mediastinal resection is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove tumors or masses located in the mediastinum, the central compartment between the lungs that contains the heart, thymus, great vessels, lymph nodes, and other vital structures. The procedure is performed through small incisions in the chest using a thoracoscope and fine instruments, allowing precise tumor removal without the need for full open surgery.
This procedure can be used to remove benign tumors such as thymic cysts, lipomas, or fibromas, as well as localized malignant tumors like thymomas or enlarged lymph nodes. The choice of surgery depends on the tumor’s size, location, and its relation to surrounding structures. CT scans and MRI are often used for detailed surgical planning.
VATS is a safe and effective technique for resecting mediastinal tumors that are not deeply invasive. The magnified view provided by the thoracoscope enhances surgical precision and helps avoid injury to critical structures like nerves and major vessels. Compared to open surgery, VATS significantly reduces postoperative pain, hospital stay, and risk of complications such as bleeding or infection.
Following surgery, a chest tube is placed to drain air or fluid, and the patient is closely monitored for lung re-expansion and stable vital signs. The resected mass is sent for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation. Most patients recover quickly, especially if the tumor was causing compressive symptoms.
