Thyroid surgery: Wound closure without skin clips

Sixty patients undergoing thyroidectomy were prospectively randomized to non skin clip closure (study group) and skin closure with Michel metal clips (control). The cosmetic outcome of the scar as well as other problems associated with the wound closure technique were evaluated. The aesthetic outcome of the scars in the non skin clip closure study group was better (good in 90%), than those in the conventional metal clip skin closure group (good in 76.7%). The rate of superficial wound infection and post operative pain requiring increase in analgesic dosage were less in the study group as well. The cost of the metal clips plus the pain and anxiety of the patient at the removal of the clips were also eliminated in the study group. Wound closure following thyroidectomy omitting the conventional metal clip was associated with fewer problems. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (1) 2007: pp. 1-8