OBJECTIVETo explore the Surgical approach and management of intrathoracic goiter.

METHODSSeventy patients were operated on for thyromegaly extending to the thorax in an 15-year period at the department of Head and Neck surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The median age of the 70 patients (44 women and 26 men) was 55 years, with a range of 23 to 71 years. Sixty cases were benign intrathoracic goiter and ten cases were malignancy. To help choice of operative approach, the intrathoracic goiter was divided into three types to based on chest film, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and clinical symptom. I type: the inferior extremity of goiter is on the aortic arch. II type is the goiter to enter intrathoracic and portion located behind aortic arch, or the goiter enter posterior mediastinum. For III type, intrathoracic goiter intrude thoracic cavity, or accompany superior vena caval syndrome. Operative method, surgical access and treatment effect were discussed in this essay.

RESULTSA cervical incision alone was performed in 62 cases (I type 41 cases, II type 21 cases), and sternotomy in 8 (II type 3 cases, III type 5 cases). There was low morbidity and no deaths. Removal rate by cervical approach for intrathoracic benign and malignant goiter were 95% (57/60) and 50% (5/10) respectively. The Complication rate of cervical approach was significantly lower (8.1%) than that sternotomy approach (37.5%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSMost cases of intrathoracic goiter can be managed by cervical incision alone. Only a few cases, a median sternotomy approach may be needed when adhesions or an anomalous blood supply are present or carcinoma is suspected.