CPT® Code 39400

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Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows for direct visualization and access to the mediastinum, the area in the chest between the lungs. This procedure is particularly important for evaluating mediastinal lesions, which may include tumors or lymph nodes, and is often utilized in the assessment of patients suspected of having bronchogenic carcinoma, a type of lung cancer. During the procedure, a small incision is made above the suprasternal notch, which is the dip at the top of the sternum, and this incision is carefully extended down to the pretracheal fascia, a layer of tissue in the neck. The mediastinoscope, a specialized instrument equipped with a light and camera, is then inserted through this incision and maneuvered behind the suprasternal notch, allowing the physician to access the superior mediastinum. The scope is advanced to the level of the carina, the point where the trachea divides into the left and right main bronchi, enabling thorough examination of these structures. If necessary, biopsies of suspicious areas, including mediastinal lymph nodes, can be performed to obtain tissue samples for further analysis. After the examination and any required biopsies are completed, the mediastinoscope is carefully withdrawn, and the incision is closed, marking the end of the procedure.