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Diagnosis and management of substernal Goiter at the University of Crete

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Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the diagnosis and management of patients with substernal goiter (SSG) on the basis of our experience. We conducted a retrospective study of all SSGs within a series of 591 thyroidectomies performed in a tertiary referral center over a period of 14 years, analyzing epidemiological data, diagnostic criteria, and surgical results. There were 37 (6%) patients with descending goiter: 28 women (mean age 57.1 years) and 9 men (mean age 61 years). All 37 patients underwent successful surgical treatment without any major postoperative complications. A postoperative histological examination revealed a 16.6% incidence of malignancy. Despite the size and close proximity to vital organs in the mediastinum, all of the SSGs were managed successfully. A neck approach was used in all except for one patient who was operated on via sternotomy. A thorough preoperative evaluation including computed tomography scan of the neck and mediastinum, and an appropriate surgical technique ensure a positive outcome for most patients with an SSG.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Otolaryngology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    John Bizakis, Alexandros Karatzanis, Jiannis Hajiioannou, Constantinos Bourolias, Argyro Bizaki & George Velegrakis

  2. Departments of Radiology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Eleutherios Maganas

  3. Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Elias Spanakis

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  1. John Bizakis
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  2. Alexandros Karatzanis
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  3. Jiannis Hajiioannou
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  4. Constantinos Bourolias
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  5. Eleutherios Maganas
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  6. Elias Spanakis
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  7. Argyro Bizaki
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  8. George Velegrakis
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Bizakis, J., Karatzanis, A., Hajiioannou, J. et al. Diagnosis and management of substernal Goiter at the University of Crete. Surg Today 38, 99–103 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-006-3572-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-006-3572-3

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