Influence of cosmetic results of thyroidectomy scars on patient quality of life.

Abstract

Introduction: This study in a Spanish population evaluates patient concerns about an anterior cervicotomy scar due to thyroid surgery, both before and after surgery.

Methods: This prospective, observational study included consecutive patients proposed for thyroidectomy who completed, prior to surgery, an adapted Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire regarding the expected results in relation to their scar. Six months after surgery, they completed the questionnaire again, with an additional evaluation of the scar using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Changes in the score were analyzed, as well as the possible influence of demographic and surgical factors on the results obtained.

Results: 90 patients were included (78.9% women). Preoperative concern was generally low (DLQI 4.68), although the score for moderate preoperative concern was 16.7%. Female sex was associated with greater preoperative concern regarding the future outcome of the scar, and age had an inverse correlation with the DLQI score. After surgery, no patient had a significant impact. Age was inversely related to the impact of the scar on quality of life 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion: Patients who are scheduled to undergo conventional thyroid surgery show limited concern about the aesthetic result of their scar. The most concerned patients are young women. The aesthetic distress due to scars in Asian populations does not seem to transfer to our environment.