Archives

Abstract
Background  The thyroid disease can appear in 0.16–3.3% of cases as mediastinal goiter. The treatment is difficult and requires a mediastinal
approach.

Materials and methods  We have analyzed our experience from September 1995 to September 2007 among 2,439 thyroidectomies conducted for thyroid disease;
16 cases required a sternotomy, in seven patients conducted as hemiclamshell approach (median sternotomy associated to a fourth
intercostals space incision). Preoperative evaluation included otorhinolaryngology evaluation and computed tomography. All