Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of mediastinal lymph node tuberculous abscesses

The mediastinal lymph node tuberculous abscesses (MLNTAs) are secondary to mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. Surgical excision is often required when cold abscesses form. This study was aimed to examine video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of MLNTA. Clinical data of 16 MLNTA patients who were treated in our hospital between December 1, 2013 and December 1, 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All of the patients underwent the radical debridement and drainage of abscesses, and intrathoracic lesions were removed by VATS. They were also administered the intensified anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT), and engaged in normal physical activity and follow-up for 3 to 6 months. The results showed that VATS was successfully attempted in all of the 16 MLNTA patients and they all had good recovery. Two patients developed complications after surgery, with one patient developing recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and the other reporting poor wound healing. It was concluded that VATS is easy to perform, and safe, and has high rates of success and relatively few side-effects when used to treat MLNTA.