OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience of intercostal video-mediastinoscopy (VMS) in treatment for mediastinal masses, malignant pleural effusion and palmar hyperhidrosis.

METHODSThe clinical data of 701 patients received intercostal VMS from November 2001 to June 2007 were summarized retrospectively. Forty-eight patients with mediastinal masses and 46 patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion underwent intercostal VMS pleural biopsy (39 cases with talc pleurodesis) and 607 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis underwent bilateral intercostals VMS thoracic sympathectomy.

RESULTSNo mortality and morbidity were reported in this group. Definitive pathologic diagnosis had been made through VMS mediastinal masses biopsy in mediastinal masses and pleural biopsy in pleura effusion. The efficiency of talc pleurodesis was 100% for 39 cases. The symptoms of sweating of hands in 607 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis disappeared completely, all patients' hands became dry with a 1.5 degrees C to 3.0 degrees C increase of the skin temperature immediately after operation. No recurrence occurred during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONVMS is a simple, convenient and alternative procedure for the treatment of mediastinal masses, malignant pleural effusion and palmar hyperhidrosis.