What does mediastinoscopy allow surgeons to examine?

Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure specifically designed to examine the mediastinum, which is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity situated between the lungs. This area contains important structures such as the heart, trachea, major blood vessels, lymph nodes, and esophagus.

During mediastinoscopy, a surgeon makes an incision above the sternum and inserts a mediastinoscope, allowing direct visualization and access to the mediastinal structures. This can be crucial in the diagnosis and staging of conditions such as lung cancer, lymphoma, and other diseases affecting the mediastinum.

The other options refer to different anatomical areas and are not relevant to this procedure. The stomach is part of the gastrointestinal tract, the diaphragm is a muscular structure separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities, and the pleural cavity pertains to the spaces surrounding the lungs. Each of these areas requires different procedures for evaluation and does not fall under the scope of mediastinoscopy.