Staples versus subcuticular closure in cervicotomy incisions

Area of Science:

• Surgical techniques
• Cosmetic surgery outcomes
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Background:

• The collar transverse incision is standard for thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
• Cosmetic results of wound closure are crucial due to the neck's exposed location.
• Traditional closure methods include metal clips, subcuticular stitches, and glue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cosmetic outcomes of cervicotomy wound closure using metal clips versus subcuticular stitches.
• To evaluate patient, surgeon, and blinded nurse perceptions of cosmetic results.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 20 patients undergoing thyroid/parathyroid surgery.
• Ten patients had wounds closed with metal clips, and ten with subcuticular stitches.
• Cosmetic outcomes were assessed via questionnaires completed by patients, the operating surgeon, and a blinded surgical nurse.

Main Results:

• Patient, surgeon, and nurse evaluations showed broadly similar cosmetic outcomes between the metal clip and subcuticular stitch groups.
• No statistically significant differences in cosmetic results were observed between the two closure techniques.
• Two complications were noted in the subcuticular stitch group, while the metal clip group had none.

Conclusions:

• Both metal clips and subcuticular stitches provide comparable cosmetic results for collar incisions in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
• The choice of wound closure technique can be based on surgeon preference due to similar aesthetic outcomes.
• Further research could explore complication rates and long-term scar quality differences.