The anterior neck scar outcomes of conventional thyroidectomy using a wound protector: a multicenter double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Woochul Kim; Hyeong Won Yu; Su-Jin Kim; Young Jun Chai; June Young Choi; Kyu Eun Lee

doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000001288

The anterior neck scar outcomes of conventional thyroidectomy using a wound protector: a multicenter double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Int J Surg. 2024 Mar 18. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001288. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Woochul Kim¹, Hyeong Won Yu^{2

3}, Su-Jin Kim^{1

3}, Young Jun Chai^{3

4}, June Young Choi^{2

3}, Kyu Eun Lee^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea.
² Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
³ Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea.
⁴ Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea.

PMID: 38498353
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001288

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a novel wound protector in enhancing the cosmetic outcomes of thyroidectomy.

Material and methods: This multicenter, double-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled 129 patients undergoing open thyroidectomy. The patients were divided into a wound protector group and a control group. Subjective patient assessments were conducted, measuring wound satisfaction, pain, and itchiness. Additionally, blinded observers evaluated scars using the Vancouver Scar Scale.

Results: The Vancouver Scar Scale revealed significant advantages for the wound protector group, demonstrating improvements in pigmentation (P=0.002), vascularity (P=0.014), pliability (P=0.001), and height (P=0.001).

Conclusion: The thyroid wound protector offers a potential to improve post-operative cosmetic outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore patient experiences and optimize the application of this innovative wound protector across diverse surgical contexts.