[Mediastinoscopy: apropos of 100 cases].

: We have retrospectively reviewed 100 mediastinoscopies that were carried out in our hospital from 1985 to 1988. 12% the of patients had relative contraindications for that examination technique. There was no intraoperative mortality and 5% of the patients presented complications including severe hemorrhage in three patients, bilateral pneumothorax in one patient and loss of radial pulse in another patient who presented left hemiparesis during the immediate postoperative period. We conclude that mediastinoscopy provides essential information for classification and treatment of lung cancer despite its high potential morbidity; a proper anesthetic technique, correct monitoring and the close cooperation with the surgical team render mediastinoscopy a safe procedure.