Objective: The objective was to determine patient and gland characteristics associated with difficult intubation in patients
undergoing thyroidectomy for goiter and to assess different methods of intubation in these patients.
Methods: This study was an IRB-approved, retrospective chart review of 112 consecutive patients undergoing
hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy for thyroid goiter from 2009-2012 at an academic tertiary care facility in Bronx,
New York. Patient demographics, thyroid gland characteristics (gland weight and nodule size), presence of preoperative
symptoms (dyspnea, dysphagia, and hoarseness), and radiographical findings (tracheal compression, tracheal deviation, and
substernal extension of the thyroid gland) were recorded. Anesthesia records were reviewed for method of intubation, as
well as success or failure of intubation attempts