LONG-TERM SCAR SATISFACTION OF THYROIDECTOMY PATIENTS WITH CLASSICAL
MID-CERVICAL INCISION
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective:Thyroidectomy is commonly performed surgical
procedure for benign or malignant thyroid pathologies. Patients
generally mention about their reservations about the shape of skin
incision. In order to minimize the scar deformity novel surgical
procedures were described in the literature. We aimed to investigate the
relationship between the scar length, type of surgery, obesity and
patient satisfaction and scar appearance. Design: A total of seventy
seven (77) patients were included in the study. Patient and Observer
Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used for measuring the satisfaction.
Results: The mean overall satisfaction score was 1,6 (1: normal 10:
worst) and the vast majority of the patients (74/77, 96.1%) were
satisfied with their surgical scars. Significantly higher OSAS scores
were observed in patients who have secondary (completion of
contralateral lobectomy) surgery and radioactive iodine treatment
(p<0,001 p=0,034 respectively). There was not significantly
different OSAS scores in patients according to sex, body mass index
(BMI) and incision length. Conclusion: The classical mid-cervical
incision has positive long-term satisfactory results. Patients required
early secondary (completion) thyroidectomy should be informed about the
possible unsatisfactory results and surgeon should pay more attention
and act as careful as possible for skin closure