Subcutaneous dissection area contributes less to endoscopic thyroidectomy-related invasiveness

Objective

To clarify the contribution of the subcutaneous area during breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy (BAET), with regard to invasiveness-related outcomes.

Methods

Seventy-two patients were randomly assigned to two groups: standard dissection and limited dissection. Postoperative pain and inflammatory response were compared between groups.

Results

The groups were well matched except for subcutaneous dissection area (137.11 ± 21.10 vs. 83.69 ± 12.10 cm², p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found with regard to VAS score and postoperative inflammatory response.

Conclusion

Our RCT indicated that the subcutaneous area plays a less important role with regard to BAET-related postoperative pain.