Single-Port Hairline Approach Thyroidectomy in Male Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Cosmetic and Surgical...

Although concerns regarding visible scars have traditionally been associated with female patients, male patients are increasingly placing value on cosmetic outcomes in surgical procedures. Single-port robotic thyroidectomy utilizing a hairline approach has proven feasible in female patients. This study aims to evaluate the safety, utility, and cosmetic results of single-port hairline approach thyroidectomy (SPHAT), with a focus on minimizing visible scarring in male patients.

Thirty-one male patients underwent SPHAT performed by a single surgeon between February 2020 and February 2024. We analyzed operative time, complication rates, pain scores (numeric rating scale [NRS]), and cosmetic outcomes in these male patients.

Among the cases, 27 were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 1 with follicular thyroid carcinoma, 2 with non-invasive follicular neoplasms exhibiting papillary-like nuclear features, and 1 with follicular adenoma. The median age of patients was 62 years (range, 34-73 years). Hemithyroidectomy was conducted in 28 cases and total thyroidectomy in 3 cases. Central neck dissection was performed in 26 cases. The median total operative time was 89 minutes (range, 55-160 minutes), with a median console time of 49 minutes (range, 26-125 minutes). All patients were discharged without major complications on the second or third postoperative day. Postoperative pain NRS scores were 3.71±1.56 on the day of surgery and 2.86±0.35 on the first postoperative day. Six months after surgery, the mean cosmetic satisfaction score on a visual analog scale was 8.51±1.62.

SPHAT is a viable and safe approach for male patients, offering excellent cosmetic.