Mediastinoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine the mediastinum, the area between the lungs that contains vital structures like the heart, trachea, and lymph nodes. During the procedure, a small incision is made at the base of the neck, and a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called a mediastinoscope, is inserted to visualize and obtain tissue samples for diagnosis. This technique is often used to investigate conditions such as lung cancer, infections, or other diseases affecting the chest. By analyzing the collected tissue, doctors can determine the presence of disease and plan appropriate treatment options.