A Case of Tracheal Necrosis after Total Thyroidectomy and Mediastinal Dissection

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 2004;20(1):58-61.
Published online May 30, 2004.

Young Soo Rho;Jin Hwan Kim;Dong Hyuk Han;Eung Jung Kim;Chul Hoon Jung

갑상선 전절제술 및 종격동 청소술 시행 후 발생한 기관 괴사 치험 1예

노영수;김진환;한동혁;김응중;정철훈

Abstract

Lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer occurs to anterior compartment (level VI) and superior mediastinal lymph node (Level VII). In lateral neck, it occurs commonly in middle and lower jugular lymph node (level III, IV). And it can also metastasis to posterior neck lymph node (level V). Superior mediastinal lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer requires superior mediastinal dissection with massive removal of peritracheal and periesophageal soft tissue. After superior mediastinal dissection, severe complication may occurs such as innominate artery rupture and tracheal necrosis. We describe a case of tracheal necrosis as a complication of superior mediastinal dissection and total thyroidectomy in thyroid cancer patient.

Key Words: Trachea necrosis, Superior mediastinal dissection, Thyroid cancer