Combination of surgical subcision and intralesional corticosteroid injection as a cost-effective and minimally invasive treatment for postoperative adhesive thyroidectomy scars.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative adhesive symptoms (swallowing difficulty or pulling sensation during neck extension) are one of the major complications of thyroidectomy. Moreover, adhesive scars are often visible and cause cosmetic concerns.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with surgical subcision and intralesional corticosteroid injection for postoperative adhesive thyroidectomy scars.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was performed of 16 Korean patients with postoperative adhesive thyroidectomy scars treated with three sessions of surgical subcision and intralesional corticosteroid injection.

RESULTS:

The Vancouver Scar Scale score decreased significantly after treatment (P < .001). Follow-up revealed that six of the 16 patients (37.5%) had clinical improvement of 51% to 75%, six (37.5%) had moderate clinical improvement of 26% to 50%, and three (18.8%) had improvement of 76% to 100%; one patient (6.3%) demonstrated minimal to no improvement. After three sessions of treatment, the mean clinical improvement grade was 2.68, which means moderate to marked improvement compared to before treatment. Post-treatment erythema was observed in most patients, and notable bruising after treatment observed in five patients resolved spontaneously within 7 days.

CONCLUSION:

Combined treatment with surgical subcision and intralesional corticosteroid injection is a cost-effective and minimally invasive treatment for postoperative adhesive thyroidectomy scars.

• Authors: Ji Hye Lee, Tae Hyung Kim, Yong Sang Lee, Hang-Seok Chang, Cheong Soo Park, Mi Ryung Roh
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 39 Issue 12 Pg. 1822-6 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1524-4725 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24206263 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage)
• Adult
• Cicatrix (therapy)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intralesional
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
• Postoperative Complications (therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Thyroid Neoplasms (surgery)
• Thyroidectomy
• Tissue Adhesions (therapy)
• Treatment Outcome