Supraclavicular lateral collar incision versus conventional approach for thyroidectomy: supplement for minimally...

The indications of various minimally invasive techniques for thyroidetomy are strictly limited to some selected patients; thus, only a minority of the patients can take advantages of them. In this study, we aim at describing a new technique of supraclavicular lateral collar incision for thyroidectomy and to verify the safety and efficacy of it as a beneficial supplement for minimally invasive approach and as a substitute for conventional transverse anterior approach, compared with which the lateral approach demonstrated a better cosmesis and comparative, extended indications.

A prospective, nonrandomized analysis of consecutive thyroidectomies with different approaches was designed. From May 2006 to April 2009, 98 patients with lateral approach and 136 patients with conventional approach were analyzed to evaluate the eligibility of the new technique and its comparison with conventional approach for various clinical variables.

There were no statistical significances between the two groups in terms of age, gender, nodule size, anesthesia, estimated blood loss, operative time, and postoperative complications, whereas there were significant differences in terms of incision length (5.2 ± 1.04 cm versus 6.9 ± 1.14 cm, P < 0.001) and cosmetic result (8.7 ± 0.69 versus 6.7 ± 0.78, P < 0.001).

The supraclavicular lateral collar incision is a feasible and safe approach for thyroidectomy. Compared with conventional approach, it holds the advantages of comparative extensive indications and similar complication rate but achieving a better cosmetic result. It provides a good alternative beyond conventional thyroidectomy, especially for those previously excluded from minimally invasive techniques.