Mediastinoscopy is a procedure to examine the central part of the chest. It is a fairly minor procedure when performed by a surgeon trained in the operation but is highly dangerous in the untrained operator. The procedure is performed as a day case with the patient being able to go home on the day of the operation.  For more information click here to view the Harvard Medical School site

Modern surgery is a safe procedure but unfortunately complications are always possible. As doctors we attempt at all times to avoid mishaps and the post-operative treatment is vital to make the operation as safe as possible.

 The patient will be mobilized out of bed as soon as he/she is stable and awake and typically this will be within 2 hours of the end of the operation. Chest physiotherapy will be ordered on the same day as the operation.

Pain relief will be adequate with an epidural catheter being placed with all major cases to limit post-operative pain to make the mobilization much easier. Click here to learn more about epidural anesthesia.

Usually you will be able to have a light supper.

You are urged to speak to the staff if you have any needs. It is unnecessary to suffer while in hospital.

 Many complications occur but the incidence is rare. The condition for which an operation is being performed is much more dangerous left untreated than the potential complications which seldom occur.

A list of Complications can be viewed. Click here to see a partial list. A list specific for Cardiac Surgery click here. A list for Thoracic Surgery click here.

The performance of a bronchoscopy is the most common investigational procedure that a General Thoracic Surgeon performs. It can be performed with sedation and local anaesthetic although often a general anaesthetic is required.
For more information click here.
Bronchoscopy is a very safe procedure but as with all surgical procedures there are some complications. for information on how a bronchoscopy is performed as well as the complications click here.

Lung surgery (thoracotomy) for lung cancer.

Surgery to remove all or part of a lung involves making a cut on one side of your chest (thorax) during a procedure called a thoracotomy.
Surgery that uses this approach avoids areas in the chest that contain the heart and the spinal cord.