Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Time Heals Most Wounds - Perceptions of Thyroidectomy Scars in Patients With Thyroid Cancer
Kathy Bach1, Samantha Prince1, Susan C Pitt1
1Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison Wisconsin.
Background:
Patients understandably have concerns about thyroidectomy scars. This study aimed to characterize patients' perceptions of their thyroidectomy scar before and up to 1-y after surgery.
Methods:
Patients with papillary thyroid cancer (n = 83) completed semi-structured interviews before and at 2-wks, 6-Wk, 6-mo, and 1-y post-thyroidectomy. Interviews probed about scar concerns and appearance. Content analysis was used to identify themes.
Results:
The majority of participants did not express concerns about scar appearance. When expressed, preoperative concerns often stemmed from previous surgery experiences or unease with neck incisions. Postoperatively, concerns about scar appearance decreased over time throughout the healing period with most patients being satisfied with their scar appearance by 6-mo after surgery.
Conclusions:
Patients with papillary thyroid cancer express few concerns about scar thyroidectomy appearance. Surgeons can reassure patients who have preoperative concerns that most patients are satisfied with their scar appearance by 6-mo after surgery.
