Thyroidectomy incision using a novel anatomic landmark method.

There was no postoperative infection noted in any case nor has there been any keloid scar formation noted on follow-up exams. Patient and surgeon satisfaction with incision placement has been good. Unless an axillary or anterior chest approach is used, there will be a resultant scar in the neck. Terris, et al have pointed out that the prevalence of thyroid disease is higher in women than in men. Due to increasing societal focus on appearance, cosmetic outcomes as regards the thyroid surgery scar are becoming more important and therefore the need for a symmetric and aesthetically pleasing scar. It is thought that placement of the incision is crucial for a good cosmetic result. If the incision is made too superior in the neck, it might be quite noticeable when wearing normal clothing. If the incision is too inferior, there is increased chance of keloid formation. In a study by Jancwicz, et al, the authors found that the incision moves an average of 20 mm inferiorly when the patient is positioned for surgery. However, this study did not account for the location of the patient’s pathology as it relates to the upper or lower portion of the thyroid lobe when marking out an incision.