The Laryngoscope
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Our overarching objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of goiter data in two paired articles. This first article focuses on the preoperative evaluation. The following null hypotheses have been tested: 1) there is no correlation between goiter size and preoperative symptoms, 2) there is no correlation between preoperative neck imaging abnormalities and preoperative symptoms, and 3) there are no predictors for goiter recurrence. SUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 200 consecutive thyroidectomies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria for cervical or substernal goiter. ⋯ Goiter size is associated with increasing symptoms. Tracheal compression but not deviation was related to shortness of breath. Females and patients with a positive family history of goiter have an increased risk of goiter recurrence.