Preoperative scar perception study comparing 'scarless' in the neck endoscopic thyroidectomy with open thyroidectomy:...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Open thyroidectomy is standard, but scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy offers cosmetic advantages.
• Scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy includes both endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques.
• Patient preference and decision-making factors for thyroid surgery approaches are increasingly important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine patient preference between open and scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy.
• To identify key factors influencing patient choice for thyroid surgery.
• To evaluate the impact of scar perception and body image on surgical approach selection.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study surveyed 100 patients with thyroid disorders at a single tertiary center.
• Data collected included demographics, socioeconomic status, scar perception, and body image scores.
• An interviewer-administered survey was used to gather patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• 75% of patients preferred scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy over open surgery.
• Improved scar perception was significantly associated with choosing scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy.
• Surgeon recommendation and improved scar perception were independent predictors of preference for scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Conclusions:

• Patient preference for scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy is primarily influenced by cosmetic outcomes, specifically scar appearance.
• Surgeon recommendations play a crucial role in guiding patients towards scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy.
• Understanding these factors can help tailor patient counseling for thyroid surgery decisions.