Scientific paperSurgical treatment of benign nontoxic intrathoracic goiter: A long-term observation

Twenty-nine patients underwent surgical treatment for benign nontoxic intrathoracic goiter. None received thyroid replacement therapy after operation. The time of observation varied from 2 to 18 years. Fifteen patients attended reexamination. Ten had died from unrelated causes and 4 were too old to participate. Thyroid function was normal on reexamination, and albumin-corrected serum calcium levels were normal. Recurrence of goiter was not demonstrated by palpation of the neck or roentgenographic examination of the trachea and chest. Late voice function was satisfying based on stroboscopy and clinical judgment. Our results indicate that large intrathoracic goiters can be managed safely by the cervical approach and that only rarely is the thoracic route required. Thyroid replacement therapy appears unnecessary as a postoperative routine measure.