[Patient satisfaction after thyroidectomy - the width of the scar is more important than the length]

To avoid a scar on the neck, alternative methods of thyroidectomy have been developed. The aim of our study was to determine the significance of the scar and the factors influencing satisfaction after classical thyroidectomy in the long term.

228 patients who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease between 2001 and 2014 participated in a telephone interview. In addition to patient satisfaction, demographic data, the subjective appearance of the scar, and subjective complaints were recorded.

93.8 % of the patients were satisfied with the treatment. Female and younger patients tended to be more dissatisfied than both male and older patients. The mean scar length was 6.03 ± 2.36 cm and the mean scar width was 2.01 ± 1.46 mm. The length of the scar did not affect satisfaction. In contrast, patients with a wider prominent or conspicuously stained scar were significantly more dissatisfied. Patients who suffered from symptoms such as pressure or difficulty swallowing postoperatively were also significantly more dissatisfied. Cosmetic problems affect satisfaction more than functional problems.

Satisfaction after thyroidectomy is good in the long term. Whether satisfaction can be further improved by using an alternative or minimally invasive procedure is questionable. These procedures may be an alternative for younger and female patients or those who focuses on cosmetics.