Abstract
Objectives Surgeons are now utilizing small incisions when performing thyroidectomy. This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, and maximum thyroid diameter and the length of an open thyroidectomy incision. Study Design Retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive patients. Subjects and Methods Patient demographics, clinical exam, ultrasound findings, operative findings, and pathology were recorded. Results Of the 32 patients (81% women), 27 underwent a hemithyroidectomy. The mean patient weight was 194 lbs. The mean clinical nodule diameter was 3.46 cm, and the mean maximum thyroid diameter was 5.91 cm. The mean incision size was 5.13 cm. Independently, patient weight, maximum thyroid diameter, and maximum nodule diameter were shown in regression models to be statistically significant predictors of incision size. In stepwise regression analysis that included all three listed variables, maximum thyroid diameter was the most significant predictor of incision size ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions Surgeons may determine the length of the incision using clinical and radiologic parameters, but most probably use their subconscious clinical judgment and the challenge of utilizing a very small incision for this operation. This study has shown that maximum thyroid diameter is the most significant determinant for the incision but that nodule size and patient weight are also significant factors. This study is evidence-based medicine level III.
Highlights
This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, and maximum thyroid diameter and the length of an open thyroidectomy incision
This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, maximum thyroid diameter, and incision length of an open non-video-assisted thyroidectomy for 32 consecutive patients
Some surgeons may determine the length of the incision using clinical and radiologic parameters, but most probably use their subconscious clinical judgment and the challenge of utilizing a very small incision for this operation
Summary
This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, and maximum thyroid diameter and the length of an open thyroidectomy incision. This study has shown that maximum thyroid diameter is the most significant determinant for the incision but that nodule size and patient weight are significant factors. Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy was first described by Miccoli and colleagues.[1,2] With this specialized endoscopic technique, an incision length of 1.5 cm was used to remove nodules less than 35 mm in largest diameter in a thyroid gland that was less than 20 mL in volume as determined by ultrasound.[2] Obviously, only a small percentage of patients with very small nodules can be treated in this manner. This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, maximum thyroid diameter, and incision length of an open non-video-assisted thyroidectomy for 32 consecutive patients.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
