[Retrosternal goiter in thoracic surgical practice].

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Endocrine Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Retrosternal goiter (RSG) presents unique surgical challenges.
• Optimal surgical strategies are crucial for effective management and minimizing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and optimize surgical approaches for retrosternal goiter management.
• To identify predictors for sternotomy requirement and assess surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective single-center study of 56 patients undergoing RSG surgery (2004-2019).
• Analysis of surgical approaches (cervical collar incision, sternotomy, thoracotomy), patient demographics, and clinical presentation.
• Correlation of radiological measurements with surgical approach and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Cervical collar incision was the primary approach (71.4%), with sternotomy required in 25% of cases.
• No perioperative mortality observed; complication rates were low across different approaches.
• Mean goiter length and specimen weight were greater in the sternotomy group compared to the collar incision group.

Conclusions:

• Cervical collar incision is common for RSG, but sternotomy availability is essential.
• Radiological craniocaudal length may predict the need for sternotomy.
• Surgical outcomes are independent of the approach; simultaneous thoracic procedures can be considered.