Mediastinoscopy

Risks

Complications from mediastinoscopy are uncommon but may include bleeding, infection, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), a tear in the esophagus, damage to a blood vessel, or injury to a nerve near the voice box (larynx) which may cause permanent hoarseness.

After the procedure, contact your doctor immediately if you have:

• Bleeding from your stitches.
• A fever.
• Severe chest pain.
• Swelling in the neck.
• Shortness of breath.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Hoarseness of your voice that lasts more than a few days or continues to get worse.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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