Factors influencing extent of surgery for Substernal Thyroid Goiters: Hemithyroidectomy versus total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Background: When compared to removal of cervical goiters, patients undergoing removal of substernal goiter have been found to have higher rates of complications, including recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, bleeding, and hypoparathyroidism. Previous literature has discussed hemithyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy for cervical goiters showing that the less invasive procedure was a reasonable option with decreased morbidity overall.