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A critical update on the management of retrosternal goiter
  • +5
  • Cesare Miani,
  • Luca Giovanni Locatello,
  • Anna Maria Bergamin-Bracale,
  • Nicole Caiazza,
  • Stefania Rigo,
  • Maria Gabriella Rugiu,
  • Andrea Zuin,
  • RICARD SIMO
Cesare Miani
Universita degli Studi di Udine
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Luca Giovanni Locatello
Presidio Ospedaliero Universitario Santa Maria della Misericordia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Anna Maria Bergamin-Bracale
Presidio Ospedaliero Universitario Santa Maria della Misericordia
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Nicole Caiazza
Presidio Ospedaliero Universitario Santa Maria della Misericordia
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Stefania Rigo
Presidio Ospedaliero Universitario Santa Maria della Misericordia
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Maria Gabriella Rugiu
Azienda sanitaria universitaria Friuli Centrale
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Andrea Zuin
Universita degli Studi di Udine
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RICARD SIMO
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Ear Nose and Throat Head and Neck Service
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Abstract

Background: Retrosternal goiters (RGs) pose several challenges to head and neck surgeons because of the intricate anatomical relationships with major vessels and other mediastinal structures. Methods: A scoping review of the last five years in the PubMed database was conducted and a total of 105 articles were discussed, along with methodological issues and future directions in the research on RGs. Results: The surgical excision of RGs may be accomplished by standard transcervical approach in the vast majority of cases, yet the potential need for a transthoracic approach must be always kept in mind. Great expertise in referral centers is required to maintain an acceptable rate of postoperative complications, and a thorough diagnostic work-up is mandatory. Several non-surgical treatments in addition to mini-invasive approaches have been proposed for RGs. Conclusions: RGs require a multidisciplinary thyroid team in order to eventually minimize the risk of complications and avoid extracervical approaches.