Mediastinoscopy: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

Mediastinoscopy (say "mee-dee-yass-tuh-NAW-skuh-pee") is a procedure that looks at the space behind your breastbone in front of your lungs.

During the procedure, your doctor made a small cut (incision) in your neck or chest. Then the doctor placed a lighted tube into the cut to look around inside that space.

You may be sore where the doctor made the cut in your skin and put in the lighted tube. You may feel some pain in your lung when you take a deep breath. These symptoms usually get better in a few days.

You may feel tired for a day or two and have some general aches and pains. You may also have a mild sore throat from the tube that was in your throat. Using throat lozenges and gargling with warm salt water may help.

You may need to take it easy at home for a day or two after the procedure. For at least 1 week, try to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

Your doctor will tell you when to have your stitches removed, usually in 7 to 14 days. Mediastinoscopy usually leaves only a tiny scar.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• You can do your normal activities when it feels okay to do so.
• For at least 1 week, try to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
• You may shower 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Many people are able to return to work within a few days after this procedure.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.

Medicines

• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, be sure to talk to your doctor. The doctor will tell you if and when to start taking this medicine again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

Incision care

• If you have strips of tape on the cut the doctor made, leave the tape on until it falls off.
• If you had stitches, your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• Wash your hands before and after touching your incision.
• Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing.
• Change the bandage every day or if it gets wet or dirty.
• Keep the area clean and dry.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You are having chest pain that is different or worse than usual.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new pain, or your pain gets worse.
• You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
• You have trouble breathing.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.