ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To design a new draining method for near total thyroidectomy. METHODS Bilateral drainages were performed during near total thyroidectomy in 63 cases between December 1998 and July 2004.The bilateral drain incision for near total thyroidectomy was performed at the lower part of the neck.RESULTS All the draining operative procedures produced cosmetic scars and the drainage was effective.The mean amount of drainage was 38 ml(minimum 10 ml,maximum 120 ml)and no patients developed wound infection. Postoperative drain incision was limited under the clavicle,covered by the collar and left the patients satisfied with the results.There were no postoperative hematoma or seroma.CONCLUSION The bilateral drain incision for near total thyroidectomy placed at the lower part of the neck results in a cosmetic scar, which is easily covered by the collar and was safe and effective.