General

Synonym/Acronym:
N/A

Rationale
To visualize and assess structures under the mediastinum, to assist in obtaining biopsies for diagnosing and staging cancer, and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Patient Preparation
There are no activity restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to fast and restrict fluids for at least 8 hr prior to general anesthesia. The American Society of Anesthesiologists has fasting guidelines for risk levels according to patient status. More information can be located at www.asahq.org.

Regarding the patient’s risk for bleeding, the patient should be instructed to avoid taking natural products and medications with known anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic properties or to reduce dosage, as ordered, prior to the procedure. Number of days to withhold medication is dependent on the type of anticoagulant. Note the last time and dose of medication taken. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

• Normal appearance of mediastinal structures
• No abnormal lymph node tissue

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A