Necessity for additional incisions with the cervical collar incision to remove retrosternal goiters

Conclusions  Additional incisions can be made if thyroidectomy cannot be done transcervically and if the goiter extends to the level of
the aortic arch. If the thyroid gland extends below the aortic arch and the lateral diameter of the goiter is greater than
10 cm, a partial sternotomy may be required. Total sternotomy is needed when an RSG extends caudally to the azygos vein, if
it is located in the retrotracheal or retroesophageal space, or if it is recurrent or ectopic. Coexisting lung disorders and
goiters extending to the left atrium also require thoracotomy.

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00595-008-3768-9Authors
Salih Topcu, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine Department of Thoracic Surgery Umuttepe, Kocaeli TurkeySerife Tu...