On the problem of substernal and intrathoracic goiters

The twenty-year experience of the surgical treatment of 42 patients with intrathoracic goiters is presented. Roentgenologic methods are the basis of the examination standard program of patients. The treatment of intrathoracic goiters may be only operative. There are indications to the operation: the high probability of the goiter malignancy (15-17%) and the presence of the squeeze syndrome of neck and mediastinum organs. There are surgical accesses: Kokhers cervical incision in substernal localization of the goiter, thoracotomy in the full intrathoracic goiter.