Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1989-8-29
pubmed:abstractText
This report describes the operative experience in 72 patients with substernal goiters treated over the past 5.5 years. Even though the incidence of multinodular goiter has decreased in the United States due to the routine use of iodized salt, we continue to see a large number of patients with massive goiters, predominantly from Caribbean Islands. The diagnosis of substernal goiter was made on clinical examination augmented by such radiologic studies, as chest x-ray, barium esophagograms, airway films, and CT scans. Computed tomographic (CT) scanning was particularly helpful in evaluating the extent of substernal extension. Confirmation of the extent of disease was made at the time of operation. Ninety percent of the patients had tracheal deviation and 85% were symptomatic from airway compression. Esophageal compression was noted in 60% of the patients. All patients had a long history of goiter with recent onset of pressure symptoms. Flow-volume-loop studies were performed in 44% of the patients and were useful in the evaluation of pressure symptoms. However, the decision for operation was made primarily based on clinical evaluation of signs and symptoms. Sixteen patients in this group were admitted with acute airway distress requiring airway intubation or semi-emergency decompression. Only 1 patient required mediastinal splitting, while all others were operated by the cervical approach. The decision as to the extent of thyroidectomy was made at the time of operation. Drains were routinely used because of the large dead space. One patient developed a hematoma in the recovery room and required re-exploration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
1043-3074
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
11
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
325-30
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-10-5
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:articleTitle
Operative treatment of substernal goiters.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Surgery, SUNY--Health Science Center, Brooklyn 11203.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article