A limited thoracocervical approach for accessing the anterior mediastinum in retrosternal goiters: Surgical technique and implications for the management of head and neck emergencies

Abstract

In this article we describe the surgical management of retrosternal goiters via a limited thoracocervical approach, and we explore how the respective surgical know-how can be used in the management of the carotid blowout syndrome. Four cases involving patients who had undergone thyroidectomy via a limited thoracocervical approach are retrospectively reviewed. An acute blowout of the innominate artery managed with the same principal surgical technique is also reviewed. Three patients had a total thyroidectomy and one had a hemithyroidectomy. No malignancy was found. There was no mortality or unexpected morbidity from the limited thoracocervical approach. The median length of the inpatient stay was 3 days. The blowout survivor lived for 9 months, with no rebleeding and with an acceptable quality of life. We conclude that a limited thoracocervical approach can be safely performed by head and neck surgeons for accessing the anterior mediastinum in retrosternal goiters, and the respective surgical know-how can be used in the immediate management of an acute carotid blowout syndrome with satisfying long-term results and provision of quality end-of-life care.