[Resection strategy for locally advanced thyroid carcinoma]

Advanced thyroid carcinomas with infiltration of the aerodigestive tract are rare but are responsible for approximately 50% of the tumor-specific mortality. Due to impending and frequently life-threatening local complications and in the absence of promising therapeutic alternatives, a resection in curative or palliative intention is indicated if the local tumor is resectable. The resection and especially reconstruction of the trachea represent an extraordinary surgical challenge, require an individualized approach as well as exact knowledge of tracheal resection techniques. The decision for surgery in general, the selection of adequate resection and reconstruction strategies as well as the perioperative management should be accompanied by a particularly experienced interdisciplinary team.