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Cervical mediastinoscopy after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy: its feasibility
Katsuo Yamada1, Pankaj Kumar, Peter Goldstraw
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
Objective:
The feasibility of cervical mediastinoscopy after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy has not been documented.
Methods:
We describe our experience with cervical mediastinoscopy in two patients with total laryngectomy and radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma and had a Blom-Singer speaking tracheostomy valve in situ. Both patients presented with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and radiographic features suggesting a new pulmonary malignancy.
Results:
Rigid bronchoscopy and cervical mediastinoscopy were undertaken and paratracheal and subcarinal lymph nodes were biopsied. Both patients made uneventful post operative recovery. Mediastinal lymph node biopsy was definitive in deciding their further care.
Conclusion:
Cervical mediastinoscopy is feasible in patients with total laryngectomy, tracheostomy and radiotherapy.