Safety of mediastinoscopy in anatomical variations of the mediastinum: the situs inversus syndrome.

Mediastinoscopy has been widely used by thoracic surgeons to evaluate the superior mediastinum since 1959. Large series of mediastinoscopy have been reported with very low morbidity and no mortality. Proper attention to surgical techniques and mediastinal anatomy are essential to maintain the safety of the procedure. Situs inversus totalis is exceedingly rare, but variations in mediastinal anatomy in this group of patients can render the procedure challenging for the thoracic surgeon. A case of mediastinoscopy in a situs inversus patient is presented with emphasis on anatomical variations of the mediastinum and technical pitfalls of the procedure in this rare group.