Single-Center Experience of Management of Mediastinal Cyst—A Case Series

Background Mediastinal cysts are benign lesions that may be seen in adulthood as well as in childhood. Mostly congenital lesions constitute 20 to 32% of lesions located in the mediastinum. The main cystic masses are congenital benign cysts (bronchogenic, esophageal replications, neuroenteric, pericardial and thymic cysts), meningocele, mature cystic teratoma, and lymphangioma. In this study, we aimed to analyze the mediastinal cysts operated in our clinic according to the histopathological type, surgical type, morbidity rates and to contribute to the literature on these rare lesions. Methods The records of patients with mediastinal cysts who were operated in Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Department of Thoracic Surgery, between January 2013 and June 2021, were reviewed retrospectively. Results A total of 32 patients were included the study. Thirteen (40.6%) of the patients were male and 19 (59.4%) were female. The mean age was 45 (range: 12–71). The most common symptom in patients was chest pain with 12 patients. Histopathologically, the most common subtype was thymic cyst. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was applied in 19 patients (59.3%), thoracotomy in 8 patients (25%), and sternotomy in 5 patients (15.63%). There was no mortality. Conclusion In patients with mediastinal cysts, the prognosis after complete excision is excellent and rates of morbidity and mortality associated with surgery are low.