Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a novel wound protector in enhancing the cosmetic outcomes of thyroidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicenter, double-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled 129 patients undergoing open thyroidectomy. The patients were divided into a wound protector group and a control group. Subjective patient assessments were conducted, measuring wound satisfaction, pain, and itchiness. Additionally, blinded observers evaluated scars using the Vancouver Scar Scale. RESULTS: The Vancouver Scar Scale revealed significant advantages for the wound protector group, demonstrating improvements in pigmentation ( P =0.002), vascularity ( P =0.014), pliability ( P =0.001), and height ( P =0.001). CONCLUSION: The thyroid wound protector offers a potential to improve postoperative cosmetic outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore patient experiences and optimize the application of this innovative wound protector across diverse surgical contexts.