Abstract: Objective To review the experience approaching middle mediastinal mass by surgery.Method  Clinical data of 9 patients with middle mediastinal mass who were treated in between 2018 to 2022 in Tongji hospital were retrospectively analyzed.8 cases underwent radical resection and 1 case underwent mediastinal tumor biopsy.5 mediastinal tumors were operated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS),and 4 cases required conversion thoracotomy. Result Histologic diagnosis was mediastinal cysts in 2 cases,Castleman disease in 1 case,metastatic lymphadenopathy in 1 case,neurogenic tumors in 3 cases(Schwannoma in 1 case,Neurofibroma in 1 case,and Paraganglioma in 1 case),angiolipoma in 1 case and undifferentiated malignant tumors in 1 case.All recovered and were discharged from hospital.Conclusion Surgical resection is an important treatment for mediastinal tumors. Surgical treatment should not only pursue the thoroughness of excision, but also pay attention to organ protection.

Key words: mediastinal masses, middle mediastinum, surgery, videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery