Abstract:ObjectiveTo evaluate the superiority of functional neck dissection with lowtransverse arc collar incision for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsClinical data of 72 patients suffering from PTC accompanied with cervical lymph node metastasis were analyzed retrospectively. They were all diagnosed and surgically treated in our department from May 2013 to May 2016, and functional neck dissections (Ⅱ~Ⅵ area) with lowtransverse arc collar incision were performed. The average operating time, postoperative hospital stay and number of lymph node resected were calculated. Visual analog scale (VAS) score method was adopted to evaluate patients' satisfaction with postoperative feeling and beauty.ResultsThe lowtransverse arc collar incision applied to resection of PTC and functional neck dissection had advantages of short postoperative hospital stay, complete neck dissection, well preservation of cervical sensory function with less skin traction, and high satisfaction with appearance. The disadvantage of this incision was slightly long operating time which could be overcome by skilled grasp of surgical techniques.ConclusionThe application of lowtransverse arc collar incision to the resection of PTC and functional neck dissection ensures the surgical thoroughness, control of the incidence of surgical complications, shortened hospital stay, and improvement of patient's cervical sense and function, which can enhance their quality of life and satisfaction.