Short- and long-term prognostic analysis of supraclavicular oblique incision versus traditional low-collar incision in thyroidectomy

Thyroidectomy is the primary treatment for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the type of incision has a significant impact on the short- and long-term recovery of patients. This retrospective study included data from 280 patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to incision type: traditional low-collar incision thyroidectomy (TLCIT); and supraclavicular oblique incision thyroidectomy (SOIT). Demographic characteristics, clinical features, and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of the 2 incision types on short-term (postoperative pain, wound swelling, heat sensation, and neck discomfort) and long-term (quality of life, scar score, anxiety, and depression scores) indicators. In terms of short-term recovery, SOIT significantly reduced postoperative pain, wound swelling, sensation of heat, and neck discomfort. Interaction analysis revealed that SOIT had a significant effect on reducing postoperative pain 1 week after surgery and on reducing heat sensation and neck discomfort 1 month after surgery. In terms of long-term effects, SOIT significantly improved Short-Form-36 and EQ-5D quality of life scores, reduced scar scores, and decreased anxiety and depression scores. Interaction analysis further indicated that SOIT significantly reduced scar scores at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and significantly reduced anxiety scores at 6 months postoperatively. Compared with the traditional low-collar incision, the supraclavicular oblique incision yielded better short- and long-term prognoses in thyroidectomies for patients diagnosed with PTC.