An extended toboggan technique for resection of substernal thyroid goiters

We describe our technique for the safe resection of substernal thyroid goiters. Early mobilization of the thyroid gland from tracheal attachments anteriorly and laterally facilitates extraction of the goiter from the mediastinum. Retrograde dissection through the ligament of Berry on the ipsilateral side can also facilitate identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and delivery of the substernal portion of the gland. We describe 2 representative cases in which we successfully used this technique.