"The role ok thoracoscopy in the management of mediastinal masses"

Mediastinal masses represent a group of heterogeneous of both malignant and non malignant diseases. Clinical presentation is also various and ranges from severe respiratory distress at birth to occasional diagnosis in an asymptomatic patient. Diagnosis is based on radiological findings that can provide a reasonable suspicion but often requires a hystologic confirmation. We present our experience in the management of mediastinal masses. In the last 10 years 33 patients came to our attention for mediastinal masses. In the last 10years 33 patients came to our attention for mediastinal masses. Male to female ratio was 22:11. Thpracoscopy was performed in 25 cases. Seven of them required conversion for technical problems or patient instability. Surgical procedures consisted of biopsies(n=6)and mass resection(n=19). The emptying of cystic mass with a needle helped removal in case of huge masses. Recurrence ocurred in 1 case (foregut duplicazion cyst).Thorascopy permitted the definitive diagnosis in most of cases. It is an important tool in the management of mediastinal masses as it is associated with a low morbidity rate. The main disadventage is rapresented by the narrow working space of infants and small children.