Extended cervical mediastinoscopy revisited.

Objectives: To describe the diagnostic value of selective extended cervical mediastinoscopy (ECM) in combination with video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) in mediastinal staging of potentially resectable left-sided lung carcinoma.

Methods: Institutional report on 110 ECM procedures indicated for enlarged lymph nodes within the aorto-pulmonary (AP) zone on computed tomography. Staging sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV) and specificity of ECM, combined VAMLA and ECM, VAMLA alone and systematic dissection for lung resection via left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy were calculated from a subset of 92 patients with left-sided lung carcinoma.

Results: Selective ECM was performed in 12.6% of all video-mediastinoscopic procedures, and added, except for one vascular complication, there was no morbidity. ECM had an impact on mediastinal staging in 78.0% of the lung cancer cases. Sensitivity, NPV and specificity were 0.94, 0.96 and 1 for ECM to detect nodal involvement within the AP zone. Sensitivity, NPV and specificity to detect any mediastinal diseases were 0.94, 0.96 and 1 for the combination of ECM and VAMLA; 0.64, 0.80 and 1 for VAMLA alone and 0.76, 0.84 and 1 for systematic mediastinal dissection via left-sided VATS or thoracotomy approach.

Conclusions: ECM complements VAMLA in comprehensive mediastinal dissection. Selective ECM is a valuable addendum to mediastinoscopic staging procedures for left-sided tumours, as it enhances sensitivity and NPV. Precaution and experience are required to circumvent the rare risk of potentially fatal vascular accidents.