Abstract
In recent years, it is often stated that preoperative evaluation of the mediastinum should be by imaging techniques such as computed tomographic scanning (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which offer high resolution. These are, however, indirect diagnostic techniques for assessing the presence of metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes. Mediastinoscopy was first described in 1959 by Carlens. We introduced this method of preoperative diagnosis by mediastinoscopy to the selection for operation of patients with lung cancer and other diseases. In the present paper, we discuss three cases with mediastinal disease, two patients with lung cancer and one with esophageal duplication cyst. We conclude that mediastinoscopy with imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and MRI-CT should be obligatory for preoperative evaluation of patients with lung cancer, among other diseases, in whom there is the slightest suspicion of metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes.
