A Band-Like Neck Scar Contracture after Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach Robotic Thyroidectomy

Recently, robotic surgical operations have been performed in many surgical areas because the oncologic results are almost the same as conventional surgery but robotic surgery requires an incision of only a few centimeters to approach the surgical site [[1]]. Thus, many patients with thyroid cancer choose robotic surgery because of reduced scarring [[2]].

A 39-year-old female patient with thyroid cancer of the right lobe underwent robotic thyroidectomy via a bilateral axillo-breast approach, both axillary and mammillary [[3]]. After 7 months, she felt tightness in her chest and neck. She was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and panic disorder in relation to these symptoms. A band-like lesion appeared 1 year after thyroidectomy ([Fig. 1]). The chest and neck were connected with band-like scar tissue. During swallowing, the chest and neck moved simultaneously.

Tracheal and soft tissue involving the dermis layer had adhered from the neck to the chest along the left approach track. After removing the scar tissue, the adhered site was covered with deep cervical fascia and subcutaneous fat tissue using an anti-adhesive agent. After surgery, the band-like scar tissue disappeared and symptoms improved ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 1 One year after thyroidectomy, band-like scar tissue appeared and the patient experienced discomfort of the neck and chest. The neck and chest moved simultaneously during swallowing.

Fig. 2 The band-like scar tissue disappeared after surgery. The neck and chest moved separately.

This case involved a rare complication from a bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy. Although robotic surgery has advantages in terms of scar appearance, it can also cause internal scarring under the surgical site. In this case, a scar formed beneath the skin layer. Approaches close to the skin may lead to band-like scar formation. Therefore, especially in dynamic areas like the neck and joint, surgeons should ensure that the surgical approach is not too shallow.

Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

• References

• 1 Kandil E, Hammad AY, Walvekar RR. et al. Robotic thyroidectomy versus nonrobotic approaches: a meta-analysis examining surgical outcomes. Surg Innov 2016; 23: 317-325
• 2 Koo DH, Kim DM, Choi JY. et al. In-depth survey of scarring and distress in patients undergoing bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy or conventional open thyroidectomy. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2015; 25: 436-439
• 3 Lee KE, Choi JY, Youn YK. Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2011; 21: 230-236

Publication History

Received: 17 March 2016

Accepted: 12 July 2016

Article published online:
20 April 2022