Histopathological Features of Intrathoracic Goitre are Important in Decision Making

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is examining the factors determining the need for thoracic approaches to remove an intrathoracic goitre. Material and Method: This retrospective study was conducted between 2011 and 2018. Patients were categorized into two groups; Group A consisted of patients who underwent surgery via the transcervical approach, and Group B consisted of patients who underwent surgery via the transcervical plus thoracic approaches. The extension, size, and localization of the intrathoracic goitre was measured on computed tomography scans. Histopathological examination results were recorded. Results: Group A was consisted of 268 patients, Group B was consisted of 17 patients. There was statistically significant difference in terms of recurrence between groups. There were no statistically significant difference for length of goitre in computed tomography, volume and superoinferior size of the specimen between groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between the choice of thoracotomy and the localization of the intrathoracic goitre. There was a statistically significant correlation between the choise of thoracotomy and pathological subtypes. Conclusion: While dimentions of the goitre were not important in determining the necessity of thoracic approaches; recurrence, localization, and histopathological features were found to be determinants in removing an intrathoracic goitre.