Preventive Effect of Human Acellular Dermal Matrix on Post-thyroidectomy Scars and Adhesions: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been used for antiadhesion formation along with wound healing in various surgical fields. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to assess the efficacy of ADM implantation in the prevention of postoperative scars and adhesions after conventional, open, total thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to the study (ADM implantation) or control group (without ADM). Global photographic assessment, Vancouver scar scale (VSS), objective scar assessment, and swallowing impairment index were assessed at baseline, immediately after surgery, and at 1 and 2 months after surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen control and 20 study group participants completed the study. The mean VSS score of the study group was significantly lower than the controls at both 1 month (3.06 ± 1.25 vs 4.41 ± 1.54, respectively) and 2 months (2.76 ± 1.56 vs 4.35 ± 1.58, respectively) after surgery. Scar quality measures (mean melanin and erythema indexes) were significantly lower in the study group compared with controls. Study group participants had significantly lower swallowing impairment scores than controls. The mean postoperative hospitalization of both groups was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Acellular dermal matrix-assisted implants appear to improve post-thyroidectomy scar and swallowing impairments without delays in operation time.