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Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
The natural neck crease as an anatomic landmark for thyroid surgery incision
Tali Elkanovich1, Majd Hajouj2, Ohad Ronen3
1Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
Background:
The anatomical relations between the neck skin crease and the thyroid gland isthmus and cricoid cartilage are important for surgical planning.
Methods:
Between 2016 and 2018 anatomical measurements were performed on 118 participants during a presurgical ultrasound exam and were verified during surgery. The data were stratified according to age, sex, patient's body mass index (BMI), and height.
Findings:
The cricoid cartilage was found to be lower than the second skin neck crease by 0.2 ± 0.9 cm on average and the thyroid isthmus lower by 0.9 ± 1 cm from the second neck crease. No correlation was found to subjects' age, BMI, or height. Patient satisfaction, measured by the dermatologic life quality index, was high.
Conclusions:
A surgical incision made along the second neck crease will allow for a predicted and proper exposure in thyroid surgeries. The possibility of concealing the surgical scar in the natural neck skin crease can increase patients' aesthetic satisfaction.
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