Re-mediastinoscopy

In a series of 1,188 mediastinoscopies, six re-mediastinoscopies (0.5%) were made. The indications for repeated mediastinal exploration can be made more lenient since the adhesions between the innominate artery and the trachea need not always be extensive; if they are, an alternative paratracheal route can be used. Caution should be used, keeping possible vascular complications in mind, but we believe that an earlier mediastinoscopy does not contraindicate a repeated procedure.