Cervical approach for retro-sternal goiter reaching the arch of aorta

Abstract

Background: Although the retrosternal goiters are characterized by the protrusion of at least 50% of the thyroid tissue below the level of the thoracic inlet, their definite definition is still controversial. Total thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter has a great challenge and mostly requires an experienced thyroid surgeon. Excision could be possible through a cervical incision in most cases, though Sternotomy remains an option. Patients and Methods: We report fourteen patients who presented to our academic medical center between 2016 and 2019 with large thyroid goiters and retrosternal extension proven by computerized tomography scan of the neck, presented in both Mansoura University Oncology Center, Egypt and East Jeddah Hospital, Saudi Arabia from 2016 to 2019. Results: Fourteen cases with retrosternal goiter been undergone total thyroidectomy through a cervical incision without the need for median sternotomy, although the thoracic surgeon was stand-by in three cases. Six patients were found to have a malignancy in the post-operative histopathological assessment.CONCLUSION: Surgical procedures for most all retrosternal goiters can be completed successfully using a cervical approach; however, a sternotomy is required in a small number of such patients.