Modified radical neck dissections (MRND) in papillary thyroid cancer surgery usually leave a long incision in the neck, causing cosmetic problems. We introduce a new surgical approach to MRND, with minimal lateral extension of transverse collar incisions, using the Iron-Intern.

Between Jan 2008 and Dec 2008, 135 patients with papillary thyroid cancer who had undergone MRND were enrolled in this study. Total thyroidectomy and central node dissection with Kocker transverse collar incision with minimal additional lateral extension were performed before MRND. MRND were performed including level II, III, IV and V. Among 135 patients, we performed MRND with the Iron-Intern in 70 patients (Group I) and 65 patients who had MRND performed without the Iron-Intern (Group II) were included as a control group. In Group I, the Iron-Intern, with some modifications, was applied during the dissection of the level II area. The postoperative outcomes of the patients were analyzed and compared retrospectively.

The median hospital stay was significantly lower in Group I compared to Group II (P=0.003). The median operation time was significantly higher in Group I than Group II (P=0.002). The median numbers of harvested central and lateral lymph nodes were 10, 29 (group I) and 8, 23 (group II), respectively (P=0.073, P=0.148). Median levothyroxine off thyroglobulin levels were 1.2 and 1.8 in Group I and II, respectively (P=0.110).

MRND, with minimal lateral extension using the Iron-Intern, can be easily and safely performed, leaving only minor scars in the neck.