Abstract:Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach(SMIA) in unilateral radical thyroidectomy. Methods Clinical data of 80 patients who underwent unilateral radical thyroidectomy in East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine from January 2021 to August 2022 were analyzed retrospectively, including 40 cases with SMIA(SMIA group) and 40 cases with conventional linea alba cervicalis approach(control group). The basic information, intraoperative indicators and postoperative outcomes were compared between two groups. Results There was no significant differences in the age, sex, tumor size, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of central lymph node compartment dissection, postoperative PTH level, postoperative drainage volume and incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05). The satisfaction of incision concealment was better, cervical numbness and traction was less, and the score of Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS) was lower in SMIA group than those in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with the linea alba cervicalis approach, radical thyroidectomy through SMIA has similar surgery effect, but has more hidden incision, less postoperative cervical traction discomfort and better aesthetics, indicating that SMIA is safe and feasible for clinical application.