To evaluate the clinical effect of anterior mediastinal tumor resection under xiphoid process by sternal suspension with retractor and to discuss its application advantages.

A retrospective review of 14 patients with anterior mediastinal tumors in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between January 2019 to September 2020 was performed. Preoperative CT confirmed the location and size of the tumor, and single-suspended-assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery resection through the inferior mediastinum of xiphoid process was performed. The basic operation conditions and postoperative recovery were observed and counted.

All the 14 patients successfully completed the surgery. There were 6 females (42.86%) and 8 males, aged 17-74 (46.35±9.28) years old. The maximum diameter of the mass was (5.03±2.32) cm. All the 14 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under the assistance of sternal suspension with a single retractor. The operation duration was (124.32±35.71) min, the operation bleeding volume was (43.27±20.31) mL, the postoperative hospital stay was (5.32±1.34) d, the postoperative indwelling time of thoracic drainage tube was (1.84±0.82) d, and the average daily drainage volume was (230.45±70.35) mL. No patient was transferred to thoracotomy for treatment, and there was no hospital death or postoperative complications. No tumor metastasis was found after follow-up for 3 to 6 months.

In the clinical treatment of anterior mediastinal tumors, the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery assisted by single-pull suspension retractor has the advantages of clear field of view during the operation, small trauma, significant therapeutic effect, and convenient operation. There is no suspension-related complication after operation, and the surgical method is safe and effective.