Video-assisted mediastinoscopic resection of mediastinal cyst (lymphangioma)

Mediastinal cysts account for 20% of all mediastinal masses. Symptomatic cysts need treatment, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. One approach to resect them is video-assisted mediastinoscopy. An 80-year-old man with cough and dyspnea at rest was referred for evaluation. Chest computed tomography revealed a mediastinal cyst. Because of his symptoms, he was a candidate for surgery, and the cyst was resected by video-assisted mediastinoscopy through a cervical incision. Video-assisted mediastinoscopy is a safe and effective approach for complete resection of mediastinal cysts.