Application of supraclavicular lateral collar incision for thyroidectomy: a comparative study with conventional approach CHEN Zhi-qiang, WANG Lei, ZHI Xu-ting, et al. Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China Corresponding author: ZHI Xu-ting, E-mail: zhixuting@hotmail.com Abstract Objective To describe the method of supraclavicular lateral collar incision for thyroidectomy and to conduct a comparative study with conventional thyroidectomy, thus to discuss the safety and feasibility of the new approach for thyroidectomy. Methods The clinical data of 172 cases of thyroidectomy performed from November 2005 to April 2008 at the Department of General Surgery of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were analyzed retrospectively. All the cases included 70 cases of thyroidectomy with the lateral collar incision and 102 cases of thyroidectomy with the conventional approach. All the data between two groups were compared. Results There was no statistical significance between the two groups in terms of general characteristics, anesthesia, estimated blood loss, operative time, nodule size and postoperative complications, while the statistical difference was significant in terms of incision length. The patients were more satisfied and compatible with the cosmetic appearance of lateral collar incision. Conclusion The supraclavicular lateral collar incision is a feasible and safe approach for thyroidectomy. It holds the advantages of extensive indications, similar complication incidence and operative expenditure compared with conventional approach but achieving a better cosmetic result.