Video-Assisted Mediastinoscopy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
A video-assisted mediastinoscopy is a procedure to look inside your mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space inside your upper chest between, and in front of, your lungs.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call, or have someone call, your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- Blood or fluid soaks through your bandage.
- Your incision is swollen, red, or has pus coming from it.
Call your surgeon if:
- You have a fever.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antibiotics help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your wound as directed:
When you are allowed to bathe, gently wash the incision area. Pat dry with a towel. Do not rub. If you have a bandage, replace it with a clean, new bandage.
Follow up with your surgeon as directed:
You may need to return to have your wounds checked and the stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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