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Retrosternal goiter: a six-year institutional review
J C Moron1, J A Singer, A Sardi
1Department of Surgery, St. Agnes HealthCare, Baltimore, Maryland 21229, USA.
The American Surgeon
|September 10, 1998
Summary
Retrosternal goiters, often causing breathing issues, can be safely removed via cervical incision. Surgery for these thyroid growths leads to symptom resolution with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Retrosternal goiter involves thyroid tissue below the thoracic inlet.
- Incidence in thyroidectomy patients ranges from 3-20%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the characteristics and surgical outcomes of retrosternal goiters.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of cervical incision for removal.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 232 thyroidectomies (June 1991-December 1997).
- Analysis of patient demographics, symptoms, pathology, surgical approach, and complications.
- Focus on 16 identified cases of retrosternal goiter.
Main Results:
- 16 retrosternal goiters identified (6.9% of thyroidectomies).
- Common symptoms: shortness of breath (68.8%), hoarseness (37.5%), dysphagia (31.3%).
- Surgery via cervical incision (86.7%) resulted in complete symptom resolution with low morbidity (no mortality, rare complications).
Conclusions:
- Retrosternal goiters are predominantly benign and symptomatic.
- Surgical intervention, primarily through a cervical approach, is effective and safe.
- Cervical incision allows for expeditious removal with minimal morbidity and mortality.