Dissection of Superior Mediastinum in Patients with left sided Hilar Lung Cancer

In patients with right sided lung cancer the superior mediastinum is either sampled or dissected completely. Patients with left sided cancer do not have this option due to technical difficulties imposed by the aortic arch. Mobilisation of the aortic arch and division of ductus arteriosus are essential maneuvers to dissect superior mediastinum in left sided lung cancer. A new technique for removing or sampling lymph nodes from the superior mediastinum through a left thoracotomy without the arch mobilisation and the ductus division is described in this video for patients with left sided hilar primary lung cancer. This novel technique helps to detect the occult mediastinal disease.