Application of low curved incision in radical operation for thyroid carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the postoperative life quality and satisfaction with the appearance of low curved incision for the functional neck dissection in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma(DTC). Methods The clinical data of 56 patients with DTC in our hospital between February,2013 and February,2016 were analyzed retrospectively.The operation of hemithyroidectomy with isthmus resection,or subtotal/total thyroidectomy,followed by central lymph node(level Ⅵ) and ipsilateral neck(level Ⅱ-Ⅴ) dissection,was performed in all patients.The low curved incision operation was chosen for 30 patients in the low-incision group,while conventional L-shaped incision operation was selected for 26 patients in the conventional-incision group.The postoperative life quality and appearance of low curved incision were followed up,and the efficacy was evaluated and compared between the two groups through tables and pictures. Results The low curved incision for thyroid cancer did not interfere the neck dissection,and no procedure-related complications occurred.There was lower incidence in chief complaint of stiff in the shoulder,tight,pain and numbness and relative higher life quality in the low-incision group when compared with the conventional-incision group(P<0.05).The patients in the low-incision group showed a higher satisfaction with the appearance of low curved incision,such as the color,width,thickness and suppleness of scar,the difference was statistical significant between the two groups(P<0.05). Conclusion The low curved incision is the ideal choice for thyroid cancer radical surgery,with a well hidden scar,satisfactory appearance and normal neck function.