Experience of low cervical collar incision for the treatment of substernal goiter in 21 cases

Objective To investigate the practicability of thyroidectomy for substernal goiter with low cervical collar incision. Methods From January 1998 to December 2006, the clinical data of 21 cases with substernal goiter were analyzed retrospectively. Results All cases were cured to discharge from hospital. Operative course was smooth and intraoperative bleeding was less. Besides transient hoarseness was found in 1 case, no other severe complications were found after operation. Conclusions Low cervical collar incision possesses easily to expose the inferior pole of thyroid and it conveniences to perform thyroid operation. At the same time, it has a good cosmetic result.