Low cervical incision combined with video-assisted thoracoscopy for resection of a goiter extending to the posterior mediastinum: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Approximately 25% of goiters extend to the substernal area, and most of them can be removed through a cervical incision. Goiters that extend into the posterior mediastinum are very rare, and resection usually requires thoracotomy. In recent years, there have been several reports of resection of substernal goiters by minimally invasive surgery. Here, we present a 75-year-old female with a giant substernal goiter who successfully underwent resection of the goiter extending to the posterior mediastinum using low cervical incision combined with video-assisted thoracoscopy.