Single-port hairline approach thyroidectomy (SPHAT) in male patients: a retrospective analysis of cosmetic and surgical outcomes.

Background: While the concern for visible scars might traditionally be associated more with female patients, male patients are increasingly valuing cosmetic outcomes in surgical procedures. A single port robot thyroidectomy using only a hairline approach is feasible in female patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety, utility, and cosmetic outcomes of single port hairline approach thyroidectomy (SPHAT), emphasizing its ability to minimize visible scarring in male patients.

Materials and methods: Thirty-one male patients underwent by one surgeon using SPHAT between February 2020 and February 2024. We analyzed the operation time, complication rate, pain score (NRS score), and cosmetic results in male patients.

Results: Twenty-seven cases were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinomas and 1 follicular thyroid carcinoma, 2 non-invasive follicular neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features, and 1 follicular adenoma were found. The median age (range) of the patients was 62 (34-73) years. Hemithyroidectomies were performed in 28 cases and total thyroidectomies in 3 cases. Central neck dissection was performed in 26 cases. The median total operative time (range) was 89 (55-160) minutes, with a median console time of 49 (26-125) minutes. All patients were discharged without major complications on the second or third day after the operation. The postoperative pain NRS score were 3.71±1.56 on the day of surgery and 2.86±0.35 on the first postoperative day. At six months after surgery, cosmetic VAS satisfaction scale was a mean score of 8.51±1.62.

Conclusion: SPHAT is also a viable and safe option for male patients, delivering excellent cosmetic outcomes.