[Intrathoracic goiter: experience with 61 surgically treated cases]

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Substernal goiters, often asymptomatic or causing compressive symptoms, require surgical intervention.
• Understanding the anatomical variations and surgical approaches is crucial for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications associated with substernal goiter resection.
• To analyze the different surgical approaches based on goiter location and extension.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 61 patients undergoing substernal goiter resection between 1980 and 1999.
• Data collection included patient demographics, symptoms, goiter characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes.
• Surgical approaches varied: cervicotomy, sternotomy, cervicothoracotomy, and thoracotomy.

Main Results:

• 80.3% of patients presented with symptoms, including respiratory and metabolic issues.
• Cervicomediastinal goiters were most common (83.6%), with cervicotomy being the primary surgical approach (82.4%).
• Postoperative complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (9.8%), hypocalcemia (13.1%), and one death (1.6%).

Conclusions:

• Surgical excision of substernal goiters offers a low mortality and morbidity rate.
• Tailoring the surgical approach to the specific goiter type and location is essential for optimal patient management.