AIM : In this study ,the clinical features and surgical treatment of mediastinal tumours are discussed and compared with literature .

MATERIALS   AND METHODS  : Between January 2012 and July 2016 records of 76 patients who underwent resection of mediastinal tumours were analysed retrospectively .Demography ,patient profile ,histological diagnosis ,details of operative technique ,perioperative complications and mortality  were considered.

RESULTS : 76 patients underwent excision of mediastinal tumours .There were 39 males and 37 females .The age range was 1 to 82 years out of which 2 were children . Tumours of the anterior mediastinum were most common (64.5%).Among them thymoma was the most common histological diagnosis.  Predominant symptoms were those of Myesthenia Gravis (34.2%).Median sternotomy was the commonest incision used .The operative time ranged between 120 and 385 minutes .Mean postoperative stay was 6 days .Mortality was 6.51%.Post operative complications encountered were Myesthenic crises(4) ,  Mediastinitis (1),Lower limb paresis (1)

CONCLUSION: The outcomes following surgery for mediastinal tumours are favourable when there is meticulous surgical technique ,careful coordination with anaesthetist and proper multidisciplinary care of postoperative patient .With lung isolation techniques and judicious instrument use there is no need to convert into extensive incisions like Hemi clam shell and clam shell incision avoiding morbidity .Reducing tumour burden by evacuating part of tumour through opening of capsule is helpful during excision of large mediastinal tumours