NIBIB - Quantum Dots Could Guide Surgeons

Mediastinoscopy Mediastinoscopy is a procedure done by a surgeon to check lymph nodes in a
person who has lung cancer. The
word is said:
Mee-dee-ah-stine-OS-sco-pee. This
test is done to know more about the
stage of the cancer to plan further
treatment. The mediastinum is the name of the
area inside your chest between the
lungs. This area of the body contains
the heart, esophagus, trachea, thymus,
lymph nodes, other tissues and blood
vessels. To do the Mediastinoscopy, the
doctor inserts a scope through a small
incision made in your neck. The
doctor can then see the lymph nodes
and other areas by looking through
this special scope. Lymph nodes or
tissue samples (biopsy) may be
removed for testing. Before this procedure C Be sure to tell your doctor and nurse about your allergies, and about all
medicines and remedies you use. It is important to talk about any bleeding
problems or medicines you take that affect bleeding, such as blood thinners, or
aspirin. You will be put into a deep sleep with general anesthesia for this procedure. To
prepare: C Do not smoke, eat or drink anything for at least 8 - 10 hours before the
surgery. C If you take medicines, ask if you should take them on the day of the procedure. C It is best to leave your jewelry, money or valuables at home. C This surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure. If so, you will need to
plan for someone to take you home from the hospital. Also, you should plan
for someone stay with you for about 24 hours after you leave the hospital. Page 2 What to expect after procedure For this procedure you could be at the hospital for up to 23 hours. After surgery
you will stay in the recovery room. The nurse will check you closely while you
are there. You will have an IV (intravenous) in your arm or hand. Your IV will be
removed when you leave the hospital. You may be on oxygen for a short time.
You may have pain or tenderness at the incision site, a sore throat, hoarseness, and
swelling in the area of the incision. If you have problems after surgery, you may
be admitted to the hospital. Most people do not need a home health nurse or any equipment after this
operation. If you do, these plans are made before you leave the hospital. Based
on the result of the biopsy, your doctor will talk with you about treatment and
further care. Your care afterward Diet Drink clear liquids the first time you try to eat or drink anything. If you are able to
take clear liquids without any problems, you will be able to try more solid foods
until you are on your usual diet. Activity You will be allowed to walk and use stairs. You may not feel up to driving for 1-2
days after surgery. You may return to your usual work and activities when you
feel able, usually in a few days after surgery. You may resume sexual activity
when you feel ready. Care of Your Incision Keep the incision dry. There will be a small dressing over the incision on your
neck. This can be removed 2 days after your surgery. You may also have small
steri-strips directly over the incision. These will fall off on their own, in 7-14
days. You may clean around the incision with soap and water, but do not get the
incision or dressings wet. Pain You will be given a prescription for pain medicine. Most people need something
to ease pain for several days after this surgery. Warning signs: Call 911 or call for Emergency help if you have trouble breathing. Page 3 Call your doctor or nurse if you have C New or worsened chest pain C Temperature over 101 degrees C Severe swelling in the area of the incision that causes problems with your
breathing C Redness or swelling of the incision that could mean there is an infection If you would like more written information, please call the Library for Health Information at (614)293-3707. You can also make the request by e-mail: health-info@osu.edu.

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