How to assess postsurgical scars: A review of outcome measures

Vercelli, Stefano; Ferriero, Giorgio; Sartorio, Francesco; Stissi, Valeria; Franchignoni, F

doi:10.3109/09638280902874196

Cited by 125 publications

(111 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Use of a validated scar-assessment tool that includes objective rating of scar appearance by an independent assessor, such as the patient observer scarassessment scale or the Vancouver scar-assessment scale, can provide a more detailed analysis of the relationship between surgical scars and patient satisfaction [21]. These assessment scales rate the appearance of scars using domains such as vascularity, pliability, pigmentation, relief, and height, and patient factors such as itching, pain, and overall satisfaction.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing neck incision length during thyroid surgery does not improve satisfaction in patients

Kim

Park

Chang

et al. 2014

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol

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Postoperative neck cosmesis is a major concern of patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Patients will likely be more satisfied with the long-term cosmetic appearance of smaller than larger thyroidectomy scars. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between scar length following conventional thyroid surgery and patient satisfaction. An anonymous scar-assessment questionnaire was administered to patients who underwent conventional thyroid surgery. The 2,041 patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with their scars on a ten-point Likert scale, with one being very unsatisfied and ten being very satisfied. The mean satisfaction score was significantly lower in the benign condition than in malignancy (6.9 ± 2.5 vs. 7.4 ± 2.5; p = 0.021), whereas there were no differences in satisfaction score among subgroups of patients with benign condition (p = 0.837). In patients with thyroid cancer, the mean satisfaction scores were similar among subgroups according to operation type and scar length (p = 0.820). Incision length was not associated with patient satisfaction in thyroid surgery patients and therefore may not be critical in decision making for thyroid cancer surgery.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing neck incision length during thyroid surgery does not improve satisfaction in patients

Kim

Park

Chang

et al. 2014

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol

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“…Scar mobility was assessed indirectly by observing the depth of retraction. We used the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) [15]. Scar mobility and changes in range of motion were assessed by a lymphedema physical therapist to have a standardized measurement for each patient.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The short-term effects of low-level laser therapy in the management of breast-cancer-related lymphedema

Dirican

Andaçoğlu

Johnson

et al. 2010

Support Care Cancer

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“…To date, many authors consider the POSAS most suitable for scar assessment as it includes a comprehensive list of frequently used scar features, incorporates a patients' opinion, and has a superior internal consistency and reliability compared with the VSS. 54,60,61 The POSAS also enables the rater to indicate a category for the direction of abnormality next to the score for the level of abnormality. In the data analysis, this allows for a selection based on the specific categories of pathology.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Clinimetric Overview of Scar Assessment Scales

Wal

Verhaegen

Middelkoop

et al. 2012

Journal of Burn Care & Research

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Standardized validated evaluation instruments are mandatory to increase the level of evidence in scar management. Scar assessment scales are potentially suitable for this purpose, but the most appropriate scale still needs to be determined. This review will elaborate on several clinically relevant scar features and critically discuss the currently available scar scales in terms of basic clinimetric requirements. Many current scales can produce reliable measurements but seem to require multiple observers to obtain these results reliably, which limits their feasibility in clinical practice. The validation process of scar scales is hindered by the lack of a "gold standard" in subjective scar assessment or other reliable objective instruments which are necessary for a good comparison. The authors conclude that there are scar scales available that can reliably measure scar quality. However, further research may lead to improvement of their clinimetric properties and enhance the level of evidence in scar research worldwide.

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How to assess postsurgical scars: A review of outcome measures

Abstract: To date, VSS is the most widely used rating scale for scars but POSAS appears the most comprehensive, taking into account the important aspect of patient's perspective. The MSS has been never used for research, while SBSES has only been very recently proposed.

Cited by 125 publications

References 32 publications

Reducing neck incision length during thyroid surgery does not improve satisfaction in patients

Reducing neck incision length during thyroid surgery does not improve satisfaction in patients

The short-term effects of low-level laser therapy in the management of breast-cancer-related lymphedema

A Clinimetric Overview of Scar Assessment Scales

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