[Operability of mediastinal tumors]

The problem of the operability of mediastinal tumours is discussed on the basis of observations made in 500 cases. The importance of angiography in the assessment of operability is stressed. Benign tumours are operable, provided the operation involves no greater risk than the basic disease itself. Exploration of tumours with uncertain preoperative diagnosis is justified if there is no counter-indication. Excision of the tumour should be performed if there is no sign definitely pointing to inoperability, i.e. if the histological type of the tumour does not exclude the success of surgery.