The role of mediastinoscopy in superior vena caval obstruction

The role of mediastinoscopy in superior vena caval obstruction is not defined. To examine the safety and efficacy of mediastinoscopy, we reviewed 34 patients with superior vena caval obstruction who required mediastinoscopy to establish a histologic diagnosis after less invasive techniques had failed. They were referred to one surgical team between 1982 and 1993. Of the 34 patients, 26 had lung cancer, 6 had lymphoma, 1 had malignant thymoma, and 1 had fibrosing mediastinitis. Definitive tissue diagnosis was obtained in all patients. There was one complication of mediastinoscopy where arterial bleeding from the innominate artery occurred and limited sternotomy was required to control the bleeding. We conclude that mediastinoscopy is a safe and effective technique for establishing histologic diagnosis in superior vena caval obstruction when less invasive techniques have been unsuccessful. The use of blind radiotherapy means that patients with lymphoma and small cell carcinoma will not receive optimum therapy with chemotherapy and patients with benign lesions will receive inappropriate therapy.