Effectiveness of a combination therapy using non-ablative fractional laser and intralesional triamcinolone injection for thyroidectomy scar treatment: a prospective, randomized, blinded pilot study

Risk Factors for Scar Formation After Thyroidectomy and Advances in its Prevention and Treatment

An open thyroidectomy typically results in a "suicide" wound in the neck measuring approximately 4 to 6 cm in length. In the event that this wound develops into a hypertrophic scar, it can lead to significant psychological and quality-of-life challenges for the patient. The formation of proliferative scarring in surgical incisions is influenced by a multitude of risk factors, which can be broadly classified into intrinsic and extrinsic categories. Contemporary scar prevention and control strategies encompass a range of modalities, including postoperative rehabilitation physiotherapy, topical dressings, drug injections, laser therapy, combined therapy, and emerging therapeutic approaches. Among these, combined therapy has demonstrated superior efficacy in scar prevention and control. The objective of this article is to present a concise overview of the risk factors and interventions associated with proliferative scar formation following thyroid surgery. This is with a view to informing future research on the prevention of incisional scarring in thyroid surgery. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

An individualized strategy of dynamic therapy using non-ablative fractional laser combined with intralesional triamcinolone injection for pediatric hypertrophic burn scars

An effective treatment strategy for pediatric hypertrophic burn scars has yet to be established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dynamic treatment approach that combines non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) therapy with intralesional triamcinolone (TAC) injections for post-burn hypertrophic scars in children. Participants were assigned to three groups: the combination treatment group (22 patients), the laser-only group (19 patients), and the triamcinolone-only group (17 patients). After a 6-month follow-up period, all three groups demonstrated a significant decrease in the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (m-VSS) scores compared to their pre-treatment values, with the combination group experiencing the most substantial reduction. The median post-treatment m-VSS score in the combination group was significantly lower than in the laser-only and triamcinolone-only groups (5 vs. 7 vs. 9, P = 0.003). The obvious effective rate of combination group was 54.5%, significantly higher than that of laser group (26.3%) and injection group (23.5%) (P = 0.012). Combining non-ablative fractional laser therapy with intralesional triamcinolone injections is an effective and safe treatment for post-burn hypertrophic scars in children. This approach significantly alleviates pain and itching, resulting in high levels of satisfaction among both physicians and patients, warranting clinical recommendation.

Assessment of ultra-pulse CO2 laser therapy in comparison to sequential laser and drug treatments for scar reduction

Scar management, particularly for early proliferative burn scars, remains a clinical challenge. This study assesses the efficacy of ultra-pulse carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy in comparison to sequential laser therapy and pharmacological interventions for scar reduction. A retrospective evaluation was conducted from January 2016 to March 2019 involving 200 patients with early proliferative burn scars treated at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of our institution. Participants were assigned to 4 groups: Group A received ultra-pulse CO2 laser therapy, Group B underwent sequential pulsed dye laser therapy, Group C received sequential laser therapy combined with pharmacological treatment, and a control group received no intervention. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Efficacy was evaluated based on scar characteristics and pain scores. Demographic characteristics across all groups were comparable, with no significant differences noted (P > .05). The clinical efficacy assessment revealed that the overall effective rates for Group A, Group B, and Group C were 80.00%, 96.00%, and 98.00%, respectively. Groups B and C not only exhibited significantly higher effective rates but also demonstrated marked improvements in scar characteristics as measured by the VSS, including reduced erythema and thickness. Additionally, pain scores during treatment were lowest in Group C, indicating better tolerability compared to the other modalities (P < .05). Sequential laser therapy improves the clinical efficacy for early proliferative burn scars, enhancing scar characteristics overall. When combined with pretreatment pharmacotherapy, this approach also reduces patient pain during treatment. These results highlight the benefits of integrating sequential laser and drug therapies in scar management.

Patient‑reported outcome measures for assessing health‑related quality of life in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become important tools for evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). While there are many PROMs available to measure HRQOL, there is a lack of a comprehensive overview of these PROMs. Therefore, the authors aimed to systematically review and categorize all PROMs that have been used to measure HRQOL in patients with DTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After determining the search strategy and identifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were searched in PubMed and EMBASE from January 1900 to September 2023. Information on PROMs from the included studies, such as development language, target population, (sub)scales name, number of items per (sub)scale, completion time, and validation, was extracted and synthesized. The frequency with which PROMs were utilized in the included studies was also graphed. After innovatively classifying PROMs as five categories, all of the included PROMs were allocated to their respective categories.

RESULTS

A total of 330 articles fulfilled all of the criteria, and they utilized 96 different PROMs to measure HRQOL in DTC patients. The 96 PROMs were classified into five categories, namely universal PROMs (16/96), DTC-related PROMs (11/96), radioiodine-related PROMs (4/96), operation-related PROMs (37/96), and psychology-related PROMs (28/96). Among them, some PROMs were the frequently employed PROMs to assess diverse aspects of HRQOL in patients with DTC.

CONCLUSION

A large number of PROMs are available for patients with DTC, which evaluate all aspects of HRQOL. Combining the relevant information and frequency of PROMs utilization, it can provide convenience and reference for researchers to select PROMs across different categories. However, a more detailed critical appraisal of the PROMs used in various clinical scenarios is required. Additionally, PROMs usage frequency in previous studies can indirectly indicate the comprehensiveness or gaps in HRQOL aspects studied, guiding further review or research.

Fractional 1064 nm Nd: YAG picosecond lasers for the treatment of traumatic scars: a retrospective study

Traumatic scars negatively impact the patient's quality of life. Fractional 1064 nm Nd: YAG picosecond laser improves scars. However, the effect varies among individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment of traumatic scars with fractional 1064 nm Nd: YAG picosecond lasers and the factors associated with its prognostication. We conducted a retrospective study with 161 patients with traumatic scars. All scars were treated using fractional 1064 nm Nd: YAG picosecond lasers. Efficacy was determined based on blinded visual evaluation using the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) and 5-point Global Assessment Scale (GAS). The mean MSS values before and after treatments was 17.4 ± 2.7 and 13.6 ± 2.6 (P < 0.001), respectively. Color, radiance, contour, and distortion of the traumatic scars improved. (all P < 0.001). The course, location, and height of the scars, and the number of treatments and energy densities, were related to treatment responses (P < 0.05). Fractional 1064 nm Nd: YAG picosecond laser is effective for treating traumatic scars. Clinicians can predict the prognosis using multiple factors.

Analysis of trends and status of evaluation methods in thyroid scar

Background

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased over the decades, and patients prefer short thin scars after thyroidectomy due to their cosmetic visibility. Several scar assessment methods have been used to determine the most cosmetically optimal surgical method, but a widely accepted measurement tool is still lacking. This study investigates the usage status in the thyroid scar scale according to time, region, and study method.

Methods

The authors searched for articles on thyroid scars published between January 2000 and September 2022 in the PubMed database. The study included clinical studies that mentioned thyroid scar and scar scale, excluding articles that did not evaluate neck scars. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.

Results

A total of 35 studies were included. Among them, 17 used the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), 17 used the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), four used the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS), and four used the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). VSS and POSAS were the most commonly used scar evaluation methods. VSS tended to be used frequently in Asia, while POSAS was used frequently in Europe and in randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion

VSS and POSAS are popular thyroid scar assessment methods, with regional variations. Standardization is needed for meaningful comparisons. Patient's subjective evaluations should be considered, given the cosmetic importance of thyroid scars.

Effect of Laser and Energy-based Device Therapies to Minimize Surgical Scar Formation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Utilization of lasers and energy-based devices for surgical scar minimization has been substantially evaluated in placebo-controlled trials. The aim of this study was to compare reported measures of efficacy of lasers and energy-based devices in clinical trials in preventing surgical scar formation in a systematic review and network meta-analyses. Five electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library, were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials that reported on clinical outcomes of surgical scars with treatment initiation no later than 6 months after surgery and a follow-up period of at least 3 months. A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 482 participants and 671 postsurgical wounds were included in the network meta-analyses. The results showed that the most efficacious treatments were achieved using low-level laser therapy) (weighted mean difference -3.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -6.32, -1.24) and pulsed dye laser (weighted mean difference -2.46; 95% CI -4.53, -0.38). Nevertheless, low-level laser therapy and pulsed dye laser demonstrated comparable outcomes in surgical scar minimization (weighted mean difference -1.32, 95% CI -3.53, 0.89). The findings of this network meta-analyses suggest that low-level laser therapy and pulsed dye laser are both effective treatments for minimization of scar formation following primary closure of surgical wounds with comparable treatment outcomes.

Role of Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

BACKGROUND

This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current prehabilitation and rehabilitation strategies for thyroid cancer survivors to optimize functional outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

METHODS

The review follows the SANRA quality criteria and includes an extensive literature search conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus.

RESULTS

The review emphasizes the role of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach in targeting the different domains that generate disability in thyroid cancer patients. In this context, physical activity, range of motion exercises, myofascial release, joint mobilization, and postural exercises are crucial for improving functional outcomes and reducing treatment-related discomfort and disability. Moreover, tailored rehabilitative management addressing dysphonia and dysphagia might have a positive impact on the quality of life of these patients. Despite these considerations, several barriers still affect the implementation of a multimodal rehabilitative approach in common clinical practice. Thus, sustainable and effective strategies like digital innovation and patient-centered approaches are strongly needed in order to implement the rehabilitative treatment framework of these subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative review provides valuable insights into the current prehabilitation and rehabilitation strategies to treat thyroid cancer survivors, addressing physical, psychological, and vocational needs to optimize functional outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

Advances in Photoelectric Therapy for the Early Intervention and Treatment of Traumatic Scars

Traumatic scar is a disease that affected approximately tens of millions of patients worldwide. According to the histological and morphological properties of scars, the traumatic scar typically includes superficial scar, atrophic scar, hypertrophic scar, and keloid. Its formation is a natural consequence of wound healing, regardless of whether the wound was caused by trauma or surgery. However, the production of scars has considerable impacts on the physical and mental health of patients, even causing substantial aesthetic and functional impairments. Prevention or early treatment of scars is the most suitable therapeutic method, including surgical and non-surgical procedures; nevertheless, the benefits of non-operative therapies for scars are quite limited, and surgical treatments are always hard to achieve satisfying outcomes. Through the application of innovative technologies such as lasers, intense pulsed light, and radiofrequency, significant progress has been made in the treatment of traumatic scars. This review highlights the current advancements of photoelectric therapy for the prevention and treatment of various traumatic scars, which may throw light on innovative therapeutic options for scar therapies.