Removal of mediastinal tumor

Description mediastinal tumor removal

This is surgery to remove the tumor in the chest, that separates the lungs from other organs.

Reasons for removal of a tumor of the mediastinum

Malignant (cancer) a tumor to be removed, to prevent the spread of cancer. Without removal or treatment of cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can also start to compress organs of the chest, such as the heart, lungs, or esophagus.

Patients, undergoing surgery to remove a tumor of the mediastinum, often have a better prognosis, than, who is undergoing radiation or Chemotherapy.

Possible complications of mediastinal tumor removal

Complications are rare, but the procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to remove the tumor of the mediastinum, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Damage to organs, adjacent to the tumor, including heart, pulmonary and spinal cord;
• The accumulation of fluid between the lung tissue and cover the wall of the chest cavity;
• Drainage, infection or bleeding.

Factors, which can increase the risk of osloneny:

• Smoking.

How is the removal of a tumor of the mediastinum?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the surgery, your doctor may carry out or assign the following:

• Medical checkup;
• Blood tests;
• Roentgen – this is a test, which uses radiation, to take pictures of structures inside the body;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to carry images inside the body structure;
• Computed tomography of the abdomen – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to make pictures of body organs;
• Positron Emission Tomography – test, which uses radiation labels, that show activity in the tissues of the body.

On the eve of the operation:

• Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
  • Blood thinners (eg, clopidogrel);
  • Antiplatelet drugs (eg, warfarin);
• You can eat a light meal the evening before surgery. Do not eat or drink anything the night;
• It is necessary to organize the return home from the hospital. Besides, We need to organize care at home.

Anesthesia

Used general anesthesia, which blocks the pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation.

Procedure mediastinal tumor removal

Before the operation the patient is administered a breathing tube and an intravenous catheter. A catheter used for administration of drugs and fluids during surgery.

To remove the tumor, doctor performs one large, cut in the central part of the breast or more small incisions. If you are several small incisions, in one camera is inserted. The camera allows the doctor to see the area of ​​operations on the monitor. For other sections will be inserted surgical instruments. The tumor and surrounding tissue needed to be removed.

The doctor may insert a chest tube drainage, to help remove liquid and air from the chest cavity. The incision will be closed with staples or stitches.

Immediately after the removal of a tumor of the mediastinum

The breathing tube will be removed. You will be directed to the recovery room for health surveillance.

How long will the removal of a tumor of the mediastinum?

About 1-4 hours (depending on the type of operation).

Removal of mediastinal tumor – Will it hurt?

The anesthesia will ease discomfort after surgery. Field operations may have increased sensitivity. The doctor will give pain medicine to relieve discomfort.

The average hospital stay after the removal of mediastinal tumor

This operation is performed in a hospital. Typically, the length of stay is four days. The doctor can extend the period of stay, If there are complications.

Treatments after removal of mediastinal tumor

After operation may further require chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy.

At the hospital, you'll take liquid food. We need to practice deep breathing and coughing, to help easily restore.

When you are at home, Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, including:

• Avoid lifting objects heavier, than 3 kg;
• Do not drive for 4-6 weeks;
• Do simple exercises. This will help you recover.

You must check with your doctor, when it is safe to shower, bath or expose the surgical site to water.

Contact your doctor after removal of the tumor of the mediastinum

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or any discharge from the incision;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent blood in the urine;
• Constant nausea and / or vomiting;
• Loss of appetite;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet;
• Any other painful symptoms.