Intrathoracic Extension Research Articles

Suprarenal neuroendocrine tumour with intrathoracic extension in a child

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Minimally-Invasive Robotic-Assisted Resection for Intrathoracic Goiter – A Feasible Alternative to Thoracotomy and Sternotomy

Abstract Background Goiter is a common presentation in daily clinical practice. It usually grows slowly and in rare cases with intrathoracic extension. There is no clear definition of intrathoracic goiters. The incidence in the literature varies from 3% to 7%. Most intrathoracic goiters are localized in the anterior mediastinum, with less than 25% are localized in the posterior mediastinum. This presents a challenge for surgical resection. Traditionally, the intrathoracic portions have been resected via sternotomy for anterior goiters and thoracotomy for posterior goiters. With the increasing use of robotic surgery, new possibilities for minimally invasive surgery and especially robotic procedures have emerged. This may reduce morbidity and length of hospital stay. Aims The study aims to show that minimal-invasive, robotic-assisted resection for intrathoracic goiter is safe and feasible. Methods During the study period from January 2021 to December 2023, 548 thyroid operations were performed in our clinic. All operations were prospectively recorded in the Eurocrine registry and retrospectively analyzed. Goiter was defined as intrathoracic according to perioperative findings (caudal border not visible on sonography and/ or further preoperative investigations ordered). Primary and secondary endpoints were outcome, conversion rate, and incidence of intrathoracic goiter. Results In our clinic, 19/548 patients (3.5%) presented with intrathoracic goiter. 17/19 patients were operated via conventional cervical approach. In 2 patients, minimal-invasive robotic mobilization of the large posterior portion of the goiter was performed in combination with conventional cervical thyroidectomy. No conversion was required. Based on our cases, we present robotic intrathoracic thyroid mobilization as a novel technique to avoid thoracotomy. The rate of recurrent nerve palsy in intrathoracic goiter was 1/28 (3.5%) nerves at risk and occurred with conventional approach. No secondary bleeding or other complications were observed. Conclusion The minimal-invasive robotic approach seems to be a promising alternative to open procedures such as thoracotomy and can reduce morbidity and length of hospital stay.

Surgical Management of Goiter with Intrathoracic Extension at the Philippine General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic thyroid masses managed surgically in our institution, determine associated factors affecting eventual operative approaches for these patients, and assess postoperative outcomes and complications associated with surgical intervention. Methods: Design: Retrospective descriptive case series Setting:Tertiary National University Hospital Participants: 24 patients Results: The mean age of patients diagnosed with intrathoracic goiters was 55.71 years old, with a 1:1.4 male to female ratio; with most having an intrathoracic extent of Huins Grade 1 (67%) compared to others having Huins Grade 2-3. Majority of patients pre-operatively had a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Bethesda Thyroid Nodule Classification of Category II (benign); 79% of total patients underwent excision of thyroid mass utilizing a transcervical approach alone. As Intrathoracic Extension (ITE) grade increased, additional transthoracic approaches were performed; duration of operation, average estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay was also noted to increase. Majority of post operative surgical histopathology results revealed malignant thyroid masses, in contrast to pre-operative FNA. Post-operative transient hypocalcemia was the most reported immediate complication. Conclusions: Management of intrathoracic goiter is often multidisciplinary. Referral to the thoracic vascular service is warranted for access to the thoracic inlet. Classification by grade of intrathoracic goiters is helpful to determine the most appropriate operative approach and maybe predictive of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Postoperative histopathology across all ITE grades mostly yield malignant results; hence, preoperative FNA results should be used with caution.

Perinephric and psoas abscesses leading to empyema: An unusual tuberculosis presentation

Tuberculous psoas abscess usually results from tuberculous spondylitis but may also develop from direct spread or via hematogenous route [1]. Our case involves direct spread from an adjacent perinephric abscess with associated thoracic extension from suspected direct erosion or a diaphragmatic defect. We present a case of pleural empyema arising from abdominal tuberculous abscesses. This is an 11-year-old male who initially presented with a three-week history of cough, intermittent fever, and dyspnea. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia was first suspected at the emergency department when an opacified left hemithorax with cystic lucencies was noted. Further imaging of the chest and upper abdomen was done in our institution revealing large left perinephric and psoas abscesses with intra-thoracic extension resulting in empyema thoracis and necessitans. Culture of the abscess fluid yielded no growth but GenExpert tested positive for M. tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains a major illness in developing countries and has a multitude of infection sites and clinical presentation. Our case presented as an ascending thoracic extension of a perinephric and psoas abscess, likely from a diaphragmatic defect. The absence of spinal involvement proves its renal origin. The importance of CT scan is highlighted in medically-confounding cases such as this one.

Surgical Approach of Substernal Goiter

Substernal goiters are quite common; their diagnosis is mainly based on the CT scan which must be performed systematically in case of suspicion of intrathoracic extension of the goiter. The diagnosis of thoracic goiter requires surgical excision, most often by cervicotomy, more rarely by sternotomy. The arguments in favor of this surgical treatment are twofold: on the one hand the inevitable evolution towards phenomena compression; on the other hand, the risk of malignant transformation.

En-Bloc Resection of Renal Cell Carcinoma With Tumor Thrombus Propagating Into the Intrapericardial Inferior Vena Cava: Efficacy and Safety of Transabdominal Approach.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common primary kidney cancer. In up to 4-10% of patients, the tumor is complicated with a malignant thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava (IVC). Complete surgical excision of the RCC and the neoplastic thrombus can be curative. We aim to present a safe and feasible alternative transabdominal operative technique with the omission of thoracotomy, as applied in six patients diagnosed with RCC and IVC thrombus extending over the diaphragm. This case series study was conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Athens, Greece. All six patients, who were operated on for RCC and a malignant thrombus exceeding in the intrapericardial IVC in our department from January 2009 until March 2020, were screened. Intraoperatively, the infrarenal and intrapericardial IVC were clamped simultaneously with the renal and liver blood inflow. Access to the intrapericardial IVC was obtained via the central tendon of the diaphragm. Intrathoracic extension of the tumor was confirmed by transesophageal or intraoperative ultrasonography. The intrathoracic IVC was exposed to direct vision and two finger palpation was applied to secure the clamping of the IVC above the tip of the thrombus. The tumor was resected through a longitudinal venotomy and the operation was completed on a standard radical nephrectomy. During the study period six patients presented with RCC and intrapericardial IVC thrombus. All patients, five female and one male, underwent radical nephrectomy combined with IVC thrombectomy, without the need for a thoracotomy. The mean age was 66 years old and the mean operative time was 122.5 minutes. Mean blood loss was 338 ml and only four of the patients were transfused with two units of RBC. Operative and hospital mortality was 0%. The hospital stay was seven (six to nine) days. Only one patient required readmission and reoperation 30 days later, due to intrapericardial herniation. The proposed surgical technique may be curative in patients with advanced intracaval thrombus and helps reduce the associated morbidity, mortality, and the overall cost of more extended operations.

Mediastinal extension of amoebic liver abscess: A case report on the rare thoracic complication of Entamoeba histolytica

Amoebic liver abscess is one frequently encountered intra-abdominal infection, caused by Entamoeba histolytica and has various abdominal and thoracic life-threatening complications. Herein, describe a case of a 30-year-old female, who suffered from multiple amoebic liver abscesses and presented with massive right-sided pleural effusion. She was managed with recommended antibiotics and pigtail catheter for liver abscess and an intercostal drainage tube for massive pleural effusion. However, postintercostal drainage, her chest X-ray demonstrated a right mediastinal shadow, which was confirmed as an intrathoracic extension of the hepatic liver abscess on computed tomography. An ultrasound-guided pigtail catheter was manipulated and placed at the site of thoracic communication. This led to clinical and radiological improvement, but unfortunately, she developed ventilator-acquired pneumonia and died due to her illness. The case represents an uncommon complication of amoebic liver abscess, which is rarely described and adds more knowledge on the thoracic complexities of this infectious disease.

What is this bump in my neck? Ultrasonographic evaluation of pediatric neck masses.

Neck masses are common in pediatric patients, with benign etiologies such as congenital or inflammatory lesions accounting most of these masses. Anatomic location (most important), clinical history, and the appearance in ultrasonography (US) are helpful clues to narrow down differential diagnosis. Because of widespread availability, lack of ionizing radiation, and no need for sedation or contrast administration, US is the preferred initial modality for the evaluation. Further evaluation with cross-sectional imagings is needed for more extensive lesions with trans-spatial extension or suspicion of intrathoracic or retropharyngeal extension. This review will focus on US appearance and clinical presentation of masses of the neck in children, to enable radiologist to arrive at a reasonable differential diagnosis. We also briefly discuss more complex pathologies that need to be evaluated with cross-sectional modalities such as CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging.

ODP497 Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Anaplastic Dedifferentiation

Abstract A 71-year old male with a two-year history of progressively enlarging right thyroid mass presented with hemoptysis. Chest CT scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules and enlarged right thyroid mass with intrathoracic extension. A fine needle biopsy of the right thyroid mass showed atypia of undetermined significance. Patient underwent total thyroidectomy and complete resection of the intrathoracic component. Histopathology reported multifocal Papillary thyroid carcinoma, right lobe, encapsulated follicular variant (9cm) with extensive and vascular invasion. There was also invasion of the left thyroid lobe, follicular variant, infiltrative (0.6 cm) and conventional (0.6 cm). Extrathyroidal extension to skeletal muscle and lymphovascular invasion was present. The tumor showed areas with more solid growth patterns and some ball-like clustering. Consequently, immunostaining was done which showed the following results: positive for cytokeratin, thyroglobulin and TTF-1 consistent with papillary morphology. The more solid areas with significant nuclear pleomorphism, necrosis and increased mitotic activity (atypical forms) support the focal progression to an anaplastic carcinoma. The final histologic reading showed multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma with focal (20%) progression to undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma. Two weeks postoperatively, he developed a 4cm×2cm manubrium mass. There were also several metastases on the brain, pancreas, liver and bones seen on FDG PET scan. One month postoperatively, TSH was 15 uIU/mL Thyroglobulin >500 uIU/mL, anti-thyroglobulin <0.20 ng/dl. Due to the widespread metastases even involving the brain, the multidisciplinary team decided to start treatment with Lenvatinib and check for BRAF V600E gene mutation for a more definitive treatment. He was started on Levothyroxine. He also underwent 27 cycles of radiation therapy to the manubrium mass and was given Denosumab 120mg subcutaneously to stabilize the bone and provide pain relief. BRAF gene mutation analysis result came back negative in two weeks. Close monitoring of his sensorium was done. However, he deteriorated clinically and he succumbed to sudden cardiac death two months after. Presentation: No date and time listed

Empyema Necessitans Secondary to Tuberculosis: A Case Report

Empyema necessitans (EN) is a sporadic disease in the 21st century. It is a condition where the empyema has diffused and is loculated in the extrapleural space. It is usually caused by Tuberculosis (TB) infection or immunocompromised condition. Its manifestation, which is often vague in the beginning, leads to diagnostic dilemmas and delays in management. This has considerably affected patients adversely and incurred avoidable healthcare costs. We describe a rare case of empyema necessitans secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis in a 43-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with right anterior chest wall swelling, which was associated with pain, lethargy, malaise and significant loss of weight. Targeted ultrasonography of the anterior chest wall revealed a right anterior chest wall collection with intrathoracic extension. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest showed a multiloculated right chest wall collection with intrathoracic extension. Percutaneous drainage of the collection was performed, and the pus sent for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was positive. This case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion and clinical awareness for this dangerous and silent disease.

Intrathoracic Extension of a Giant Cell Tumour of the Medial End of Clavicle: A Case Report with Review of Literature.

The clavicle is a very rare site for primary bone tumours, and Giant cell tumours of the clavicle are even rarer. Very few cases have been reported in the literature. The authors report a rare presentation of intrathoracic extension of a giant cell tumour of the medial end of the clavicle, in an 18-year-old female. The patient had painful swelling at the sternal end of the clavicle associated with a painful shoulder range of motion. Complete resection of the mass was done, preserving the lateral half of the clavicle. At a 3-year follow-up, the patient has a good clinical outcome with no signs of recurrence. Being a very rare entity, no clear guidelines are available for the management of GCT of Clavicle. Adequate resection of the tumour mass remains the mainstay of treatment and has shown promising results. Denosumab has been proved to be effective in some studies, but the high cost of treatment is a major limitation in the Indian scenario. Resection of the tumour mass with partial cleidectomy provided good results in this patient.

EP-582 Giant bilateral intrathoracic involvement from pseudomyxoma peritonei

Abstract A 46 year old male never smoker was referred to the unit for investigation of progressively worsening shortness of breath, 9 months after being treated for pseudomyxoma peritoneum. He had completed 3 cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy followed by total colectomy and hyper-thermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Computed tomography showed very extensive and bulky bilateral intrathoracic disease with large infiltrations in the parietal and visceral pleura, pericardium and diaphragm, suggesting significant intrathoracic extension of pseudomyxoma peritoneum. Following MDT discussion, pleurectomy and decortication with cytoreductive intent was performed. A pleural mass measuring 5cm was resected, along with drainage of copious amounts of yellow gelatinous material. Extra-pleural dissection was continued up to the apex from the mediastinum and diaphragm. Pericardial tissue was also resected and reconstructed with a vycril mesh. He was discharged home on postoperative day 6 and found to have significant improvement in his symptoms 3 months after surgery.

Thoraco-abdominal duplications in children: Two case reports.

IntroductionThoraco-abdominal duplication is rare congenital malformations of the notochord that occurs in only 2% of cases of alimentary tract duplications.We report two rare cases of thoraco-abdominal duplication, emphasizing the value of radiological assessment and discussing the place of diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy.Presentation of caseIt was a 12-year-old girl and an 8-month-old boy, admitted for epigastralgia and dysphagia with respiratory distress respectively. Imaging was in favor of pancreatic duplication with intra-thoracic extension for the first patient and gastro-esophageal duplication for the second. A mass excision was done laparoscopically for the first and by a thoracotomy for the second. The aftermath of the surgery was simple in both cases.Clinical discussionThoraco-abdominal duplications are rare congenital malformations that account for only 2% of cases of gastrointestinal duplications. Their diagnosis is difficult since the revealing symptomatology is not common. The treatment is only surgical is facilitated by the laparoscopy which has a diagnostic and therapeutic interest.ConclusionOur case reports focused on the difficulty of the diagnosis that is done by imaging and is confirmed by surgery with anatomopathological examination of the excised mass. Diagnostic and therapeutic minimally invasive approach should be used whenever possible.

Cervicothoracic lipoblastoma: three case reports and review of literature

BackgroundLipoblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of embryonal fat affecting mainly children below 3 years of age. It presents usually as a painless rapidly growing soft lobular mass in the extremities, trunk, and less frequently in the head-neck region. Preoperative imaging is used to assess the extent of disease and aid surgical planning. Complete surgical excision without injury to surrounding vital structures is the treatment of choice.Case presentationWe report three interesting lipoblastoma cases: mediastinal lipoblastoma with airway compression and ipsilateral diaphragmatic eventration, neck lipoblastoma with intrathoracic extension, and huge thoracic inlet lipoblastoma with compression of common carotid and Lt subclavian arteries, brachial plexus, and ipsilateral diaphragmatic eventration. Complete excision of lipoblastoma mass was done via neck incision in two cases, and the third case required thoracoscopic excision of intrathoracic remnant 6 months later. All three patients had an excellent outcome.ConclusionsManagement of cervicothoracic lipoblastoma is a surgical challenge due to the potential for rapid growth and extension to different fascial planes; however, successful excision can be achieved via a neck approach. Complete surgical excision is essential to prevent local recurrence and improve the outcome.

Cardiac tamponade as the first presentation of thymoma: A case report during COVID-19 pandemic

We report a case of neoplastic cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition, as the initial presentation of an anterior mediastinal malignancy. A 69-year-old gentleman with no known history of malignancy presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, reduced effort tolerance and chronic cough. Clinically, he was not in distress but tachycardic. He was subjected to echocardiography which revealed large pericardial effusion with tamponade effect. Pericardiocentesis drained 1.5 L of haemoserous fluid. CECT thorax, abdomen and pelvis revealed an anterior mediastinal mass with intrathoracic extension complicated with mass effect onto the right atrium and mediastinal vessels. Ultrasound-guided biopsy histopathology examination revealed thymoma. Due to locally advanced disease, tumour resection was not possible, and patient was referred to oncology team for chemoradiotherapy. We report this case study not only due to the rarity of the case but also to highlight its diagnostic challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thyroid Embolization for Nonsurgical Treatment of Nodular Goiter: A Single-Center Experience in 56 Consecutive Patients

PurposeTo investigate the safety and efficacy of thyroid artery embolization (TAE) in the treatment of nodular goiter (NG). MethodsDuring a 5.5-year period, 56 consecutive patients with a NG underwent TAE. In Group A, there were 20 patients with a solitary/dominant 5–11-cm nodule, and in Group B, there were 36 patients with numerous nodules. Of the 56 patients, 47 (84%) had a retrosternal goiter and 25 had hyperthyroidism. In all patients, clinical and radiological evaluations were made at baseline and 6 months after TAE, and these parameters were statistically compared. ResultsIn 56 patients, 145 of the 146 thyroid arteries were successfully embolized. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.8%. Minor and major complications occurred in 25 and 2 patients, respectively. Six months after the TAE, the mean nodule volume was reduced from 80.2 mL to 25.0 mL, the mean thyroid volume was reduced from 147.0 mL to 62.6 mL, and the mean intrathoracic extension was reduced from 31.7 mm to 15.9 mm (P < .001). Of the 22 patients with non–Graves hyperthyroidism, 19 (86%) became euthyroid. The mean thyroid-related patient-reported outcome scores improved from 155.4 to 70.4 (P < .001). Of the 51 patients, 50 (98%) declared that they would recommend TAE to other patients with NG. ConclusionsTAE is safe and effective for the treatment of NG, with a significant volume reduction of the nodule(s) and thyroid gland.

Deep neck infections with mediastinum abscess and respiratory failure in a pediatric patient

Abstract Rationale: Deep neck infections are infections of the potential fascial planes and spaces of the head and neck. They can be life-threatening due to complications of upper airway compression or obstruction, sepsis or septic shock or acute respiratory syndrome. The most common pathogens are Streptococcus viridans and Staphylococcus aureus. Patient concerns: A one-year one-month-old girl was admitted to our pediatric emergency department due to fever, rhinorrhea, and erythematous swelling in the right preauricular area for 3 days. A day later, she had dyspnea, dysphagia, decreased activity, and the swelling extended to the right neck area. Diagnosis: The initial soft neck tissue radiograph showed prevertebral soft tissue thickening, and neck sonography revealed hypoechoic nodes, which were highly suggestive of a deep neck infection. Subsequent computed tomography of the neck and chest showed an abscess of the right deep neck spaces over the parapharyngeal, carotid, parotid, and submandibular areas with intrathoracic extension, as well as an abscess over the anterior mediastinum and bilateral empyema. Interventions: Drainage from deep neck incisions and thoracoscopic decortication of the right-side pleura were performed. Outcomes: After appropriate surgical interventions, critical care with antibiotics and ventilator support, the patient's condition stabilized and was discharged home. Lessons: Complications of deep neck infections are potentially fatal, especially in children. Clinicians should be aware of such infections in children and should not underestimate their potential severity. Children with deep neck infections should be more closely monitored throughout their hospitalization.

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach–Merritt Phenomenon

A 3-y-3-mo old male child presented with massive hypertrophy and bluish-purple discoloration of the left upper limb and adjacent chest wall of 3 mo duration. There was no h/o fever, weight loss, painful large joint swelling, or any bleeding manifestations. He had spindle like nonprogressive, painless swelling of all fingers of the left hand since infancy. The child was moribund with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and consumptive coagulopathy without sepsis. He received multiple transfusions of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets, and packed RBC. Paradoxical worsening of symptoms with platelet transfusions and radiological evidences led to the diagnosis of a very rare congenital multifocal vascular tumor, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP). The index case of KHE was multifocal with cutaneous lesions, osteolytic bony lesions of all phalanx and metacarpals of the left hand, and intrathoracic extension. It was successfully managed with a combination of steroid, vincristine and sirolimus.

Undifferentiated Thyroid Carcinoma With Anaplastic Features in a 78-Year-Old Filipino Female: A Case Report

Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for 0.8-9.8% of all thyroid cancers globally with a median survival from diagnosis of 5 months. Clinical Case: A 78-year-old Filipino female sought consult due to a rapidly progressive anterior neck mass. This started as a centimeter-sized nodule initially noted three months prior. Two months after, there was gradual enlargement to a fist-size, movable mass, hard in consistency associated with dysphagia and hoarseness of voice. On consult, neck ultrasound revealed an enlarged right thyroid with a mass in the right lobe (TI-RADS 5), multinodular with no lymphadenopathy. Furthermore, a CT scan of the neck was done to evaluate for other structural causes of dysphagia showing no intrathoracic extension. Patient was advised surgery but was lost to follow up due to lockdown from COVID-19. In the interim, patient was admitted for aspiration pneumonia. IV antibiotics were initiated and urgent surgery was advised to relieve patient of respiratory compromise. Patient was airlifted to a tertiary care center for further management. Baseline thyroid function tests were normal. Repeat neck imaging showed interval increase in the hypodense mass measuring 6x9x8 cm (from 3x4x5 cm) (APxWxCC) extending to the hypopharynx and laryngeal vestibule with mass effect to the trachea and esophagus. A multidisciplinary meeting was done to establish goals of care. On the 3rd hospital day, a tracheostomy with incisional biopsy and frozen section was done which revealed round to spindle cell neoplasm with anaplastic features. No further surgical resection was done and specimen was sent for immunohistochemical staining. Long term enteral access was secured during the same operation. Final histopathology showed undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma with anaplastic features and no definite lymphovascular invasion. Immunohistochemical markers were negative for CD3, CD20, Thyroglobulin, TTF-1, PAX8, Calcitonin and Pancytokeratin which reveal loss of tumor antigenicity, consistent with the histopathologic diagnosis. Metastatic work-up revealed varisized pulmonary, subpleural and hepatic nodules with lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Patient was staged as IVC (T4N1M1). Patient was referred for radiation to maximize local control, to complete 33 fractions of 200 cGy on the thyroid mass and received one cycle of Paclitaxel before discharge. Concurrent chemoradiation was continued and completed 29 cycles of radiation and 2 cycles of Paclitaxel which significantly reduced the tumor size. However, the patient succumbed to acute coronary syndrome on her third admission. Conclusion: There is currently no consensus first-line treatment modality available worldwide. Although the diagnosis and treatment of ATC is considered medically urgent, end-of-life planning must be given high priority in order to optimize the quality of the patient’s remaining life.

Combined cervicosternotomy and cervicotomy for true retrosternal goiters: a surgical cohort study

ObjectiveIntrathoracic goiters are a heterogeneous group characterized by limited or extensive substernal extension. Whereas the former can be treated through cervicotomy, the latter sometimes requires a cervicosternotomy. Whether cervicosternotomy leads to more morbidity remains unclear.This study aimed to compare intra- and postoperative morbidity in patients treated by cervicotomy or cervicosternotomy for intrathoracic goiters and standard thyroidectomy.MethodsIn a prospectively gathered cohort undergoing thyroid surgery (2010–2019) intra- and postoperative morbidity of cervicotomy (N = 80) and cervicosternotomy (N = 15) for intrathoracic goiters was compared to each other and to a ‘standard’ thyroidectomy (N = 1500).ResultsAn intrathoracic extension prior to surgery was found in 95 (6%) of all thyroidectomies. Eighty patients (84%) were operated by cervicotomy and 15 (16%) by cervicosternotomy. The risk of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was much higher in the cervicosternotomy group (21%) compared to cervicotomy (4%) and standard thyroidectomy (3%). The risk of temporary hypocalcemia after cervicotomy (28%) was comparable to a standard thyroidectomy (32%) but higher after cervicosternotomy (20%). No cases of permanent hypocalcemia or laryngeal nerve palsy were observed in both groups with substernal extension. The need for surgical reintervention was significantly higher in the cervicotomy group (6%) compared to cervicosternotomy (0%) and standard thyroidectomy (3%).ConclusionIn patients undergoing thyroid surgery for an intrathoracic goiter, cervicosternotomy was associated with more temporary laryngeal nerve palsy, but none of the interventions resulted in higher risks of permanent nerve damage, permanent hypocalcemia, or reintervention for bleeding. Reintervention was even more common after cervicotomy compared to cervicosternotomy.Level of evidenceIV