Mini Anterior Incision versus Conventional Incision in Thyroid Operations.

Abstract

To analyse the results of mini anterior incision compared to conventional Kocher's incision in total thyroidectomy. Observational cohort study. Department of General Surgery, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery Clinic, Ankara City Hospital, Turkey, from March 2019 to December 2019. Four hundred and twenty-five patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) were divided into two groups; 132 patients in group 1 (mini anterior incision group) and 293 patients in group 2 (conventional incision group). Patient examination and follow-up findings were obtained from the hospital information system software (HIS). A questionnaire to verify the satisfaction of patients on different parameters was also completed by the researcher. Mini anterior incision significantly reduced incision length, scar thickness, discharge time, time to get back to work (p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.027, and p = 0.006, respectively). There was also less pain in the neck or surgical area in group 1 and less explicit or inconspicuous scar (p = 0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). Patients in group 1 found their surgery more aesthetic (p = 0.001). Central lymph node dissection (CLND) was performed in 21.31% of the patients with thyroid cancer in group 1. More aesthetic results can be obtained by performing wound lip excision using a mini anterior incision. By using a mini anterior incision, CLND can be performed as effectively as with conventional incision in thyroid operations. Minimally invasive thyroid surgery, Mini anterior incision, Thyroidectomy, Cosmetic surgery.