Introduction and objective:

The incidence of endothoracic goiter among patients undergoing thyroidectomy ranges from 6% to 30%. Although the cervical approach is sufficient in most cases, the endothoracic approach may be necessary in 1-5.5% of patients. So it is advisable to anticipate it. The objective of this article is to describe the indications if this kind of approach.

Synthesis:

The main risk factors for performing sternotomy in cases of substernal goiter are the extension below the aortic arch and the retrotracheal or retrovascular location. The thoracic approach will be equally necessary in mediastinal ectopic goiters without connection to the cervical thyroid. The evaluation by a thoracic surgeon in cases of forgotten goitre will be recommended, as well as in patients with a history of radiotherapy or cervical surgery and suspected malignancy with extra-thyroid involvement. The choice of approach will depend on the location, the size of the mass and its relationship with the neighboring organs. Minimally invasive approaches can be safe alternatives to sternotomy or thoracotomy. The most frequent postoperative complications of endothoracic thyroid resection are typical of thyroid surgery: temporary or permanent recurrent paralysis, hypoparathyroidism, respiratory failure and postoperative bleeding.

Conclusions:

Up to 5% of thyroidectomies, a thoracic approach may be necessary, so it is convenient to anticipate it. The thoracic approach will be necessary in cases of goiter with extension below the arch, retrotracheal or retrovascular location and in mediastinal goiters without connection to the cervical thyroid.

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