Abstract

Background: The prominence of scars formed due to thyroid surgeries influences patients' quality of life. Understanding the factors that affect the patient's satisfaction regarding post-surgical scars could help the surgeons to consider appropriate surgical techniques to minimize the adverse effects on negative body image. The study aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction with a thyroidectomy scar in Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 91 patients who underwent total or hemithyroidectomy at King Faisal Hospital and Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The patients were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire that included data about patients' demographics, satisfaction measurement [Manchester scar scale (MSS)], and assessment of dysmorphic symptoms [dysmorphic concern questionnaire (DCQ)].
Results: The majority of the patients (91.4%) were somehow satisfied with the surgery in terms of appearance. Patients whose scar was outside the neck, who had severe itching after the operation, and were dissatisfied with the appearance had significantly higher mean MSS scores. Female patients and those dissatisfied with the operation's appearance had substantially higher mean DCQ scores (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between MSS and DCQ scores and patients' age, and a highly significant positive correlation was found between MSS and DCQ scores (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Visible scars outside the neck have shown negative body image and poor satisfaction with appearance. The evaluation of patients' satisfaction regarding appearance after thyroidectomy is essential to avoid its psychological impact.

Key words: Evaluation, satisfaction, scar, thyroid, surgery, Saudi Arabia