Background: We describe the technique of transmanubrial thoracotomy for superior mediastinal lesions. Methods: An L-shaped or reverse L-shaped skin incision, which consists of a median incision starting at the sternal notch and a horizontal incision along the upper edge of the second rib, is made. The manubrium is cut in an L-shape or reverse L-shape using a sternum striker. After the procedure, the manubrium is fixed with PDS Cord and the ribs are closed with Polysorb. Result: We applied this procedure for two patients. Case 1: A 37-year-old female with a benign superior mediastinal tumor such as neurinoma. Case 2: A 64-year-old female with an enlarged right paratracheal lymph node that persisted despite afatinib therapy for a primary lung cancer. Conclusion: This approach has the advantage of providing good visualization of the superior chest cavity and mediastinum.
Key words: Thoracotomy; mediastinum; sternum
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