Tracheal resection is usually successful and has a low mortality. Anastomotic complications are uncommon, and important risk factors are reoperation, diabetes, lengthy resections, laryngotracheal resections, young age (pediatric patients), and the need for tracheostomy before operation.

In this series of patients with extensive goiter, primary and revision surgery were associated with low rate of complications. Surgical complications were associated with bilateral and large goiters suggesting increased caution in these patients.

Goiter size is associated with increasing symptoms. Tracheal compression but not deviation was related to shortness of breath. Females and patients with a positive family history of goiter have an increased risk of goiter recurrence.