Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025 Nov 23. doi: 10.1007/s00266-025-05465-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The supraclavicular lateral incision approach offers a promising alternative to the conventional median incision in thyroid surgery, prioritizing cosmetic outcomes and quality of life (QoL) without compromising safety. This study evaluated its efficacy and impact on thyroid-specific QoL in patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted on 197 PTC patients, including 98 treated with the supraclavicular approach and 99 with the conventional approach. Demographic, clinicopathologic, operative, and postoperative data were collected. Cosmetic satisfaction was assessed at six months post-surgery using visual analog scales, while thyroid-specific QoL was evaluated with the validated T-QoL questionnaire. Statistical analyses compared outcomes between the two groups.
RESULTS: Both approaches achieved comparable surgical outcomes, with no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, or complication rates. The supraclavicular approach demonstrated superior cosmetic satisfaction scores for incision scars (median 9 vs. 6, P = 0.001). Although overall T-QoL scores were similar, psychological well-being was significantly better in the supraclavicular group (P = 0.036), with a trend toward improved social well-being (P = 0.066). No recurrences were observed during a median follow-up of 28 months.
CONCLUSIONS: The supraclavicular lateral incision approach offers enhanced cosmetic outcomes and mitigates QoL decline without increasing surgical risks. It serves as a feasible, cost-effective alternative to conventional and remote-access techniques, aligning with contemporary trends in minimally invasive thyroid surgery.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
PMID:41275446 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-025-05465-9
