Preferences for thyroidectomy technique: Comparing traditional and transoral approaches

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Traditional thyroidectomy leaves a visible scar.
• Scarless approaches like transcervical and transoral thyroidectomy are emerging alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient preferences for scarless versus traditional thyroidectomy approaches.
• To assess scar attitudes and surgical preferences in the United States and Israel.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed in English and Hebrew.
• The survey assessed scar attitudes and surgical preferences.
• Responses from 928 US and 339 Israeli participants were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A majority in both countries preferred scarless thyroidectomy when risks were comparable to traditional methods (77% US, 76% Israel).
• US respondents without prior thyroidectomy showed a significantly higher preference for scarless options and willingness to pay more to avoid scarring.
• A notable percentage of patients with prior thyroidectomy (57% US) expressed interest in scarless alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Both US and Israeli populations favor scarless thyroidectomy under equivalent risk conditions.
• Individuals who have not undergone thyroidectomy exhibit a stronger preference for scarless procedures.
• Even patients with prior thyroidectomy demonstrated a desire to avoid scarring, indicating potential demand for scarless options.