Substernal goiter: What is in a definition?

Differences in surgical outcomes between cervical goiter and retrosternal goiter: an international, multicentric evaluation

Introduction

Goiter is a common problem in clinical practice, representing a large part of clinical evaluations for thyroid disease. It tends to grow slowly and progressively over several years, eventually occupying the thoracic inlet with its lower portion, defining the situation known as retrosternal goiter. Total thyroidectomy is a standardized procedure that represents the treatment of choice for all retrosternal goiters, but when is performed for such disease, a higher risk of postoperative morbidity is variously reported in the literature. The aims of our study were to compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with cervical goiters and retrosternal goiters undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Methods

In our retrospective, multicentric evaluation we included 4,467 patients, divided into two groups based on the presence of retrosternal goiter (group A) or the presence of a classical cervical goiter (group B).

Results

We found statistically significant differences in terms of transient hypoparathyroidism (19.9% in group A vs. 9.4% in group B, p < 0.001) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (3.3% in group A vs. 1.6% in group B, p = 0.035). We found no differences in terms of transient RNLI between group A and group B, while the occurrence of permanent RLNI was higher in group A compared to group B (1.4% in group A vs. 0.4% in group B, p = 0.037). Moreover, no differences in terms of unilateral RLNI were found, while bilateral RLNI rate was higher in group A compared to group B (1.1% in group A vs. 0.1% in group B, p = 0.015).

Discussion

Wound infection rate was higher in group A compared to group B (1.4% in group A vs. 0.2% in group B, p = 0.006). Based on our data, thyroid surgery for retrosternal goiter represents a challenging procedure even for highly experienced surgeons, with an increased rate of some classical thyroid surgery complications. Referral of these patients to a high-volume center is mandatory. Also, intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) usage in these patients is advisable.

Extended cervical approach for retrosternal multinodular goiter

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.

Surgical Management of 48 Patients with Retrosternal Goiter and Tracheal Stenosis: A Retrospective Clinical Study from a Single Surgical Center

Background

Benign retrosternal thyroid goiters can become large enough to compress the trachea and result in tracheomalacia and stenosis. This retrospective study from a single surgical center aimed to study the surgical management of 48 patients with retrosternal goiter and tracheal stenosis diagnosed and treated from January 2017 to December 2021.

Material/Methods

All preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans showed retrosternal goiter and tracheal stenosis. RG was classified into type I in 28 patients, type II in 12 patients, and type III in 8 patients. TS was classified into grade I in 31 patients, grade II in 11 patients, and grade III in 6 patients. All patients were referred for surgery. Clinicopathologic features and surgical outcomes were recorded.

Results

All operations were successfully performed. There were 41 patients with transcervical incision, 4 with cervical incision+sternotomy, 2 with cervical incision and thoracoscopic surgery, and 1 with cervical incision and surgery via the subxiphoid approach. Two patients presented recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. One patient showed short-term hand and foot numbness. The patients were pathologically diagnosed as simple nodular goiter (n=27), nodular goiter combined with cystic change (n=6), adenomatous nodular goiter (n=10), and thyroid adenoma (n=5). There was no prominent tumor recurrence or gradual TS remission.

Conclusions

This study has highlighted that patients with retrosternal goiter and tracheal stenosis may have comorbidities and require a multidisciplinary approach to management. The choice of anesthesia, surgical approach, and maintenance of the airway during and after surgery should be individualized.

Efficacy and safety of single-session radiofrequency ablation for intrathoracic goiter: preliminary results and short-term evaluation

BACKGROUND

An intrathoracic goiter (ITG) is defined as a thyroid extension below the sternal notch. Compared to cervical goiters, surgery for ITG is more challenging, with a higher risk of an extracervical approach. Ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA in patients with ITG.

METHODS

From a total of 324 patients who underwent thyroid RFA at a single medical center, 15 patients (mean age 52.2 years; 73.3% female) with 16 ITGs were included and classified into three grades and three types using the cross-section imaging CT system. Clinical features and demographics, degree of extension, RFA details, goiter volume, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean pre- and post-RFA goiter volumes as measured by US were 106.62 ± 61.82 and 25.09 ± 14.22 mL respectively, with a volume reduction rate (VRR) of 75.5% (p < 0.001) at 6 months. The VRR as measured by CT/MRI was 57.0 ± 10.0% (p < 0.001) at 6 months. The intrathoracic length reduction rate at 6 months was 44.9 ± 39.2% (p = 0.001). In addition, 4 (25%) ITGs had total regression of the intrathoracic extension, with a downgrade from grade 1 to cervical goiter. Mean pre- and post-RFA symptom and cosmetic scores were 1.53 and 0.15 (p = 0.001), and 2.67 and 2.00 (p = 0.001), respectively. One patient had transient vocal cord palsy and another had perithyroidal and mediastinal hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

US-guided RFA is an effective treatment for ITG in terms of both cervical and intrathoracic reductions with an acceptable complication rate.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Substernal Goiter: Initial Experience

OBJECTIVES

To preliminarily evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of microwave ablation (MWA) for substernal goiter (SSG) in select patients and to provide a relevant treatment reference for further studies.

METHODS

From April 2017 to December 2017, 10 patients with SSG were treated by MWA. All patients were followed for at least 3 months to observe the therapeutic effects and complications. Therapeutic effects were assessed at follow-up for the relief of patients' symptoms, resolution of the cosmetic grade, and volume reduction rate (VRR) of SSG. Possibly related factors for the 3-month VRR of the nodules were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 9 female patients and 1 male patient with a mean age ± SD of 56.8 ± 10.1 years (range, 34-70 years). The mean volume of the nodules was 52.9 ± 27.9 mL (range, 23.7-122.6 mL). The nodule volume was significantly reduced at the 3-month follow-up (17.5 ± 9.5 mL; P < .05). The mean 3-month VRR of the index nodule was 66.7% ± 7.1%. A higher ablated portion-to-nodule ratio 1 day after MWA predicted a higher 3-month VRR (Spearman r = 0.646; P = .044). The mean symptom score (from 4.5 ± 1.7 to 1.5 ± 1.0; P = .005) and cosmetic grade (from 3.3 ± 0.5 to 2.2 ± 0.4; P = .004) declined significantly 3 months after the procedure. No complications or unexpected side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results support the effectiveness and safety of MWA for local control of SSG. This technology can be applied in select patients with SSG who are ineligible for surgery.

Surgical approach to the substernal goiter

Surgery for substernal goiters can be technically demanding. Extensive mediastinal extension brings the thyroid gland into close quarters with vital intrathoracic structures. Proper preoperative planning is required to determine the potential need for an extracervical approach. Assessing the risk of requiring an extracervical approach is typically based on findings from cross-sectional imaging of the neck and chest. This article addresses the important anatomical considerations when resecting a large substernal goiter and also reviews various extracervical approaches.

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter.

RESULTS

The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

Demographics, disparities, and outcomes in substernal goiters in the United States

BACKGROUND

Disparities distinguishing patients with substernal goiters from nonsubsternal goiters have not been thoroughly described.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample database was used to compare patients who underwent substernal thyroidectomy years 2000 to 2010 with those who underwent thyroidectomy for nonsubsternal goiter.

RESULTS

A total of 110,889 patients underwent thyroidectomy for goiter (5,525 substernal and 105,364 nonsubsternal). Substernal thyroidectomy patients were older, more likely to be Black or Hispanic and to have Medicare insurance. They had a higher comorbidity index, were more likely to be admitted emergently and to have postoperative complications such as hemorrhage/hematoma, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, and hypocalcemia/hypoparathyroidism. Furthermore, substernal thyroidectomy patients had 73% increased odds of death during admission than nonsubsternal thyroidectomy patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Substernal goiters present a distinct type of goiter with identifiable patient-level characteristics and an increased risk of postoperative complications and death. Earlier identification and treatment of goiters may allow earlier interventions at a stage when risks are reduced.

American Thyroid Association statement on optimal surgical management of goiter

BACKGROUND

Goiter, or benign enlargement of the thyroid gland, can be asymptomatic or can cause compression of surrounding structures such as the esophagus and/or trachea. The options for medical treatment of euthyroid goiter are short-lived and are limited to thyroxine hormone suppression and radioactive iodine ablation. The objective of this statement article is to discuss optimal surgical management of goiter.

METHODS

A task force was convened by the Surgical Affairs Committee of the American Thyroid Association and was tasked with writing of this article.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management is recommended for goiters with compressive symptoms. Symptoms of dyspnea, orthopnea, and dysphagia are more commonly associated with thyromegaly, in particular, substernal goiters. Several studies have demonstrated improved breathing and swallowing outcomes after thyroidectomy. With careful preoperative testing and thoughtful consideration of the type of anesthesia, including the type of intubation, preparation for surgery can be optimized. In addition, planning the extent of surgery and postoperative care are necessary to achieve optimal results. Close collaboration of an experienced surgical and anesthesia team is essential for induction and reversal of anesthesia. In addition, this team must be cognizant of complications from massive goiter surgery such as bleeding, airway distress, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and transient hypoparathyroidism. With careful preparation and teamwork, successful thyroid surgery can be achieved.

[Surgical treatment of intrathoracic goitre]

The definition by Katlic gives the best description of intrathoracic goitre, a condition that includes a small sub-group (1-4%) of patients with multinodular goitre who generally have severe compression symptoms and require specialised care in reference centres. The pre-operative study must include thoracic imaging techniques to plan the most suitable action. Total thyroidectomy is recommended, and in more than 95% of cases the goitre can be removed using a cervical approach. A wide cervical approach and the identification of the recurrent nerve near the cricothyroid joint help to free the thyroid from all its cervical attachments before gently retracting it upwards from the thoracic component for its removal. Intrathoracic goitres that require a sternotomy for its removal are recurrent goitres, those that have advanced cancer, those that reach the carina, and left posterior goitres that extend to the right pleural cavity.

Acute respiratory failure caused by neglected giant substernal nontoxic goiter

Substernal goiter is usually defined as a goiter in which the thyroid mass has descended the plane of the thoracic inlet or if more than 50% of the thyroid mass is located below the thoracic inlet. Substernal goiters may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms caused by compression of adjacent organs. Acute respiratory failure is rare in cases of substernal goiter. In cases of symptomatic substernal goiter the treatment is surgical by thyroidectomy. We present a rare case of a giant substernal nontoxic goiter which caused acute respiratory failure which was treated by urgent thyroidectomy through a T-incision.