Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Kocher incision
Pronunciation: KOH-ker
Low transverse neck incision used for thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Full Definition
A curved transverse cervical incision placed approximately two fingerbreadths above the sternal notch, following the natural skin creases of the neck. Named after Swiss surgeon Emil Theodor Kocher, this incision provides excellent cosmetic results while allowing adequate exposure for thyroid and parathyroid procedures. The incision typically extends from one sternocleidomastoid muscle to the other and heals with minimal scarring when placed properly in a skin crease.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized as it is an eponym.
In Context
- "A standard Kocher incision was made two centimeters above the sternal notch." — operative report
- "The well-healed Kocher incision was barely visible at the six-month follow-up visit." — postoperative note
Also known as
collar incision
transverse cervical incision
thyroidectomy incision
Contrasted with
longitudinal neck incision
vertical neck incision
Don't confuse with
Pfannenstiel incision
McBurney incision