The Influence of BMI on Postoperative Prognosis and Cervical Musculature in Thyroidectomy Patients

Abstract BackgroundThis study primarily investigates the impact of body mass index (BMI) on complications and neck muscle function in patients following unilateral thyroid lobectomy.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on 376 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection between May 2022 and March 2024. We compared various variables, including population characteristics, neck muscle thickness changes, and complications, between nonobese (BMI < 25.0 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) patients.ResultsNotable differences in age and surgical approach were identified between obese and non-obese patients (p < 0.05). Obese patients exhibited significantly elevated omohyoid muscle thickness (P = 0.009) and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scores (P < 0.001). Conversely, non-obese patients demonstrated a markedly higher risk of postoperative hemorrhage (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe obese cohort had a higher proportion of male patients, who were predominantly treated with sternocleidomastoid leading-edge approach (SLEA) surgery, a technique linked to reduced postoperative hemorrhage. However, these patients experienced more pronounced alterations in omohyoid muscle thickness and recorded elevated SCAR scores in comparison to their non-obese counterparts.