The mediastinum is the space between the two lungs, located behind the sternum. This is where the heart, oesophagus, aorta and trachea are located. Along the trachea there are also several lymph nodes. A mediastinoscopy usually aims to take biopsies from these lymph nodes.
The procedures takes place under general anaesthesia. You hardly feel any pain after the procedure. You may immediately eat and drink and move. If possible, you can go home the same day. Since the vocal cord nerve runs along the trachea, there is a small risk of hoarseness after the procedure. It recovers spontaneously, but this can take several months.
