Abstract:Objective: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of supraclavicular oblique incision approach for unilateral thyroidectomy. Methods:The clinical data of 233 patients undergoing unilateral thyroidectomy from September 2009 to July 2010 at our department were analyzed retrospectively. The operation was performed by a supraclavicular oblique incision in 113 patients and by a conventional transverse incision in 120 patients. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results:The average length of incision, operation time, blood loss and postoperative drainage volume of supraclavicular oblique incision group was (4.98±0.70) cm, (68.5±15.2) min, (15.2±8.9) mL, (23.7±8.6) mL, respectively, which was significantly less than that of conventional incision group which was (6.03±0.82) cm, (79.5±20.0) min, (18.5±12.7) mL and (28.5±10.9) mL, respectively (P﹤0.01). Conclusions:Compared with conventional approach, supraclavicular oblique incision for unilateral thyroidectomy has the advantages of shorter incision length and operation time, and less blood loss and postoperative drainage volume. It has better concealing effect and cosmetic result.