Clinical use of a drain incision placed below and bilaterial to near total thyroidectomy incision

Abstract

Objective:To design a new draining method for near total thyroidectomy at the lower two sides of the neck. Methods: Near total thyroidectomies in 63 cases were performed with new drain incisions at the lower two sides of the neck between December 1998 and July 2004. Results: All the draining operative procedures were performed smoothly, and all produced cosmetic scars were effective. The mean amount drained was 38 ml (minimum 10 ml, maximum 120 ml) and no patient developed wound infection. Conclusion: The drain incision for near total thyroidectomy placed at the lower sides of the neck results in a cosmetic scar which is easily covered by the collar, and was safe and effective. We thereby recommend the use of this drain incision for near total thyroidectomy.