Patient's Scar Satisfaction after Conventional Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy.
• Surgical treatment for DTC significantly impacts patient quality of life (QoL) and aesthetics.
• Scarring is a key concern for patients post-thyroidectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate scar satisfaction in DTC patients after thyroidectomy.
• To compare scar satisfaction across different subcuticular suture techniques.
• To assess the impact of DTC and surgery on patient QoL.

Main Methods:

• Observational study with 74 DTC patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
• Utilized validated questionnaires: POSAS, PSAQ, ThyPRO, and EORTC QLQ-C30.
• 3-month follow-up to assess scar appearance and QoL.

Main Results:

• Overall scar satisfaction improved significantly by 3 months post-surgery.
• Subcuticular suture type did not influence scar satisfaction.
• Male patients reported higher scar satisfaction; age was not a significant factor.
• No statistically significant difference in QoL scores (ThyPRO, EORTC QLQ-C30) pre- and post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• DTC surgery leads to improved scar satisfaction over time.
• Suture technique has minimal impact on aesthetic outcomes.
• Differentiated thyroid carcinoma has a limited long-term impact on patient QoL.