Outcomes of Trans-Cervical Surgical Management of Massive Substernal Thyroid Goiters

A Retrosternal goiter is defined in which at least 50% of the gland is located in the mediastinum as detected by computed tomography (CT) and operative findings. Although extirpation of the gland can be performed via a collar incision, the surgeon should be prepared for a thoracic approach especially in extensive mediastinal thyroid masses. There is no clear distinction for determining preoperatively which cases will require sternotomy versus open thoracic approach. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcomes of 9 patients with retrosternal goiter.