Staples versus subcuticular closure in cervicotomy incisions

Collar transverse incision is the typical surgical access for operations on thyroid and parathyroids. The cosmetic outcome resulting from its closure is of paramount importance given its anatomical exposure. The traditional methods of closure include metal clips, subcuticular stitch and glue. In this study we evaluated the cosmetic results on 10 patients who had their cervicotomy wound closed with clips comparing it to a second group of 10 patients who had the same incision closed with subcuticular stitch. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated with a questionnaire answered by the patients, by the operating surgeon and by a surgical nurse who was blinded to the technique used. The results of the questionnaire were grossly similar with no differences in the two groups. Only two complications were recorded in the subcuticular group. Both the techniques associate to similar cosmetic outcome, and the choice between the two should be left to the surgeon's personal preference.