SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF A LARGE RETROSTERNAL GOITER: WHEN IS STERNOTOMY NECESSARY?

Authors

  • Ahmad Farooq Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Author
  • Hamza Fawad Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
  • Adnan Tahir Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
  • Haroon Javaid Majid Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
  • Saqlain Ghazanfar Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
  • Khunsha Javed Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
  • Muhammad Saad Khan Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. Author
  • Shafique Ur Rehman Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/7tq76a47

Keywords:

Airway management, Goiter, Mediastinum, Multinodular goiter, Sternotomy, Surgical outcomes, Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Background: Retrosternal goiters, though uncommon, pose significant surgical challenges due to their potential to compress vital mediastinal structures, leading to respiratory distress and dysphagia. While most cases can be managed through a cervical incision, a subset requires sternotomy for complete resection. The decision to extend the surgical approach depends on factors such as tracheal compression, vascular involvement, and mediastinal extension. This case highlights the indications for sternotomy and emphasizes the importance of preoperative imaging, airway assessment, and multidisciplinary management for optimal surgical outcomes.

Case Presentation: A 52-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and diabetes presented with progressive anterior neck swelling, dyspnea on exertion, and sleep disturbances. Clinical examination revealed a large, firm, mobile neck mass with retrosternal extension. Imaging confirmed a multinodular goiter extending into the mediastinum, compressing the trachea. Bronchoscopy demonstrated significant airway narrowing. Given the extent of mediastinal involvement, a combined cervical incision and median sternotomy approach was performed. The goiter was excised completely while preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with no postoperative complications, and was discharged in stable condition.

Conclusion: This case underscores the need for early diagnosis, meticulous preoperative planning, and a multidisciplinary surgical approach in managing large retrosternal goiters. While most cases can be treated through a cervical incision, sternotomy remains crucial in selected cases with deep intrathoracic extension. A comprehensive strategy incorporating imaging, airway evaluation, and intraoperative nerve preservation plays a pivotal role in ensuring favorable outcomes.

Author Biographies

  • Ahmad Farooq, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

    Department of General Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Hamza Fawad, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Department of General Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Adnan Tahir, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Department of General Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Haroon Javaid Majid, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Department of General Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Saqlain Ghazanfar, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Department of General Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Khunsha Javed, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Graduate of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Muhammad Saad Khan, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Graduate of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Shafique Ur Rehman, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

    Department of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Downloads

Published

2025-02-26