Scar satisfaction assessment after conventional thyroidectomy: follow-up results

With the introduction of remote access thyroidectomy questions regarding patient satisfaction after trans-cervical thyroidectomy has been raised in several publications. As far as neck scars are concerned, patient satisfaction in the early post-operative period and long term are different. This study assessed patient satisfaction regarding their neck scar in the early post-operative period and at long term follow-up.

Retrospective study. Patients underwent total thyroidectomy by single surgeon. Scar satisfaction scores assessed at different time intervals (< 6 weeks, 6 months, 2 years and 5 years after procedure). Scores of patients aged < 35 years and > 35 years were compared. Patient and observer scar assessment scales (PSAS, OSAS) and patient satisfaction score (PSS) were used.

595 patients were included (443 females and 152 males, age 19-77 years). Improvement was observed in the PSAS (13.5 ± 2.3 at 6 weeks; to 4.32 ± 1.37 at 5 years; p < 0.05) and OSAS (7.32 ± 1.35 to 4.18 ± 1.51; p < 0.05). PSS improved over time from 1.8 ± 0.8 to 0.92 ± 0.66 (p < 0.05). The satisfaction scores were higher in patients < 35 years (p = 0.003). The scores indicated excellent patient satisfaction and are similar to those published in the literature regarding minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Proper incision placement and suturing resulted in excellent patient satisfaction regarding scars after conventional thyroidectomy.