Comparing surgical scar outcomes from scalpel and electrocautery in thyroid surgery
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing The Cosmetic Outcome Of Electrocautery Versus Scalpel For Thyroidectomy Incisions
This study is testing whether using a scalpel or electrocautery during thyroid surgery leads to better-looking scars for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Paul's Hospital, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT02458989 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the cosmetic outcomes of surgical scars resulting from two different incision methods used during thyroid surgery: scalpel and electrocautery. Patients scheduled for thyroid surgery with Dr. Sam Wiseman at St. Paul's Hospital will be invited to participate and will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods without knowing which one they receive. Follow-up assessments will occur at 6 and 12 months post-surgery, where participants will rate the appearance of their scars and submit photographs for evaluation. The study aims to provide a larger scale comparison of these techniques, building on previous smaller studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old scheduled for conventional thyroid surgery at St. Paul's Hospital.
Not a fit: Patients with prior surgical incisions at the incision site, connective tissue disorders, or known keloid tendencies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques that minimize scarring for thyroid surgery patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller studies have shown no significant difference in scar outcomes between scalpel and electrocautery, indicating that this larger study could provide more definitive insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over 18 years old who have consented to conventional thyroid surgery with Dr. Sam Wiseman at St Paul's Hospital (Vancouver, BC) will be asked to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients will be excluded if they have had prior surgical incisions at the site of expected surgical incision, connective tissue disorders (e.g. Ehrlos Danlos syndrome), known keloid predilection, and lack of informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- St. Paul's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sam M Wiseman, MD — University of British Columbia and St. Paul's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sam M Wiseman, MD
- Email: smwiseman@providencehealth.bc.ca
- Phone: 6048069108
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.