Mini Anterior Incision versus Conventional Incision in Thyroid Operations.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the results of mini anterior incision compared to conventional Kocher's incision in total thyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of General Surgery, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery Clinic, Ankara City Hospital, Turkey, from March 2019 to December 2019. METHODOLOGY: Four hundred and twenty-five patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) were divided into two groups; 132 patients in group 1 (mini anterior incision group) and 293 patients in group 2 (conventional incision group). Patient examination and follow-up findings were obtained from the hospital information system software (HIS). A questionnaire to verify the satisfaction of patients on different parameters was also completed by the researcher. RESULTS: Mini anterior incision significantly reduced incision length, scar thickness, discharge time, time to get back to work (p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.027, and p = 0.006, respectively). There was also less pain in the neck or surgical area in group 1 and less explicit or inconspicuous scar (p = 0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). Patients in group 1 found their surgery more aesthetic (p = 0.001). Central lymph node dissection (CLND) was performed in 21.31% of the patients with thyroid cancer in group 1. CONCLUSION: More aesthetic results can be obtained by performing wound lip excision using a mini anterior incision. By using a mini anterior incision, CLND can be performed as effectively as with conventional incision in thyroid operations. KEY WORDS: Minimally invasive thyroid surgery, Mini anterior incision, Thyroidectomy, Cosmetic surgery.