Objective: Partial or total sternotomy is required for 10% of retrosternal goiter. This study reviewed our experience with an extended cervicotomic approach as an alternative surgical solution for retrosternal goiter.
Methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter between 2014 and 2019 at a tertiary medical centre. Data on clinical, radiologic, and pathologic factors were analysed. Peri- and postoperative outcomes were compared between extended and standard cervical approaches to predict the need for an extended cervical approach.
Results: The cohort included 265 patients, of whom 245 (92.4%) were treated by standard thyroidectomy. In 17 (6.4%), the standard approach proved insufficient, and the horizontal incision was extended to a T-shape to improve access. The remaining 3 patients required a sternotomy. Use of the extended cervical approach was significantly associated with clinical features such as male gender, diabetes, high body mass index and postoperative hypocalcaemia.
Conclusions: The extended cervicotomic approach is an alternative surgical solution for retrosternal goiter, with no increased risk of significant post-operative complications.
Keywords: cervicotomy; extended approach; hypoparathyroidism; retrosternal goiter; sternotomy.
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