Combined Cervical and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Approch for Huge Substernal Goiter

ABSTRACT

Substernal goiter is defined as a thyroid mass of which more than half is located below the thoratic inlet. Substernal goiters must be removed surgically due to relation to compressive symptoms, potential airway compromise, and the possibility of an association with malignancy. Thyroidectomy for substernal goiter is usually carried out through a standard cervical approach. However, a few patients with various factors require an extracervical approach, usually by sternotomy. Recently, we successfully removed a substernal goiter that extended to the lower level of the aorta and tracheal carina though the combined cervical and video-assisted thoracoscopic approach. We present this case with a review of the literature.