[Surgical tactics in hourglass tumors with intravertebral-mediastinal locations]

The most expedient surgical tactics in hour-glass tumors of intravertebral-mediastinal localization are discussed. In 10 of 27 cases total removal of the tumor through a vertebral approach proved possible. Total removal of a rather large intrathoracic node by Guleke's method was conducted in 2 cases. In 10 cases with large intrathoracic nodes, total removal of the tumor was carried out by means of a combined intravertebral-thoracic (transpleural) approach suggested by the authors. It is emphasized that multi-stage operations and partial resection of the tumor are inexpedient and that attempts to remove it totally through a thoracic approach only are inadmissible.