[Substernal goiters].
In a series of 363 patients operated for goiter, 60 were retrosternal (16.5%). The female incidence although less than in cervical goiters remains predominant (2,5:1). Most patients are in older age group, 68% being above 40 years. The majority of goiters are multinodular and of long duration. Bilateral (37%) and left sided location (43%) were common. The incidence of cancer was 7%, thyrotoxicosis was noted in 5 patients (8%). Most patients were symptomatic (97%). Diagnosis is easily done by physical examination, chest X-Ray and thyroid scintigraphy. Computed tomography might be helpful. Retrosternal goiter is an indication to surgery except in high risk patients. The cervical approach has been used in 98% of cases. There were no post-operative death and no major complications (compressive hematoma, laryngeal nerve paralysis, hypocalcemia).
Daou
R
R
Service de Chirurgie Générale, hôpital Saint Georges.
Hajjar
E
E
Rahal
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006045:Goiter, Substernal / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors
Les goîtres plongeants.