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CC BY 4.0 · Surg J (N Y) 2016; 02(02): e10-e14
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1584169
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

What Can Determine the Length of an Open Nonendoscopic Thyroidectomy Incision?

Nilesh R. Vasan
1   Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
,
Benjamin Collins
1   Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

23 September 2015

24 March 2016

Publication Date:
10 May 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives Surgeons are now utilizing small incisions when performing thyroidectomy. This study evaluated the association between patient weight, nodule size, and maximum thyroid diameter and the length of an open thyroidectomy incision.

Study Design Retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive patients.

Subjects and Methods Patient demographics, clinical exam, ultrasound findings, operative findings, and pathology were recorded.

Results Of the 32 patients (81% women), 27 underwent a hemithyroidectomy. The mean patient weight was 194 lbs. The mean clinical nodule diameter was 3.46 cm, and the mean maximum thyroid diameter was 5.91 cm. The mean incision size was 5.13 cm. Independently, patient weight, maximum thyroid diameter, and maximum nodule diameter were shown in regression models to be statistically significant predictors of incision size. In stepwise regression analysis that included all three listed variables, maximum thyroid diameter was the most significant predictor of incision size (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions Surgeons may determine the length of the incision using clinical and radiologic parameters, but most probably use their subconscious clinical judgment and the challenge of utilizing a very small incision for this operation. This study has shown that maximum thyroid diameter is the most significant determinant for the incision but that nodule size and patient weight are also significant factors. This study is evidence-based medicine level III.

Keywords

head and neck surgery - endocrine surgery - thyroid gland - advocacy

Note

Presented at the AAOHNSF Meeting, September 21 to 24, 2008.


 

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