Methods: Seventeen patients (8 males, 9 females; mean age 46±17 years; range 9 to 74 years) undergoing superior vena cava resection and reconstruction due to mediastinal pathologies between September 2006 and September 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had angioplasty with primary suturing or partial resection with stapler were excluded. Mortality and morbidity rates were analyzed based on the demographic, and intra- and postoperative measures.

Results: Majority of patients (94%) had mediastinal tumors. Twelve patients (71%) had thymic epithelial tumors. Tubular graft interposition was performed using ringed polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis in nine patients (53%), while patch plasty using autologous pericardium, polytetrafluoroethylene or Dacron grafts was performed in eight patients (47%). Eleven patients (65%) necessitated concomitant resections of neighboring structures. Mean length of hospital stay was 11±6 days. There was no intraoperative death. Mortality occurred in three patients (18%). Five patients (29%) developed complications. Mortality occurred commonly in elderly patients (p<0.0001). Postoperative complications were more common in patients with concomitant resections (p=0.05). Neither acute nor chronic thrombosis developed in any patients. Median survival in patients with malignant diseases was 57 months, with a oneyear and three-year probability of survival of 83% and 74%, respectively.

Conclusion: Replacement of superior vena cava should be included in the therapeutic algorithm of selected patients with mediastinal tumors and benign diseases. Mortality rates may be higher in older patients, while the need for concomitant resections may increase morbidity rates.