Video-assisted mediastinoscopic resection of two bronchogenic cysts: A novel approach

The treatment of bronchogenic cysts (BCs) is still controversial. Many authors advocate the complete surgical excision of cysts [by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy] to prevent their high rate of recurrence. Nevertheless, some recent works have attracted attention to a less invasive endoscopic management of benign mediastinal cysts. Here, we report a novel, safe, effective and minimally invasive mediastinoscopic technique used in the complete resection of two mediastinal BCs. We believe that this approach can be applied, with some restrictions: lesions located in the superior mediastinum, absence of severe adhesions, absence of infection, no previous mediastinal surgery. More experience of mediastinoscopic treatment of BCs is needed in order to better define its indications, contraindications, risks and complications. (C) 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.