THYROGLOSSAL DUCT CYSTS SURGERY OUTCOMES

Abstract

Objective Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common congenital neck mass in the midline of the neck. Cystic formations develop due to the partial or complete lack of obliteration of the thyroglossal duct. It may lead to transformation to malignancy, although rarely. Our study aims to discuss the outcomes, examination findings, clinical features, and treatment methods of 51 patients operated on for thyroglossal duct cysts to contribute to the literature. Methods The 51 cases that underwent surgery (Sistrunk, Cystectomy, Thyroidectomy) with a preliminary diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst in ENT and HNS clinics were evaluated retrospectively. The patient's sociodemographic data, main complaints, examination findings, diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, recurrence and complication rates after treatment, and pathology results were analyzed in this study. Results Of the 51 patients, 35 (69%) were adults, and 16 (31%) were children. The most common reason 40 (78%) for admission was swelling in the midline of the neck, less commonly 8 (16%) swelling under the chin, 4 (8%) of patients with an average follow-up of 28 months (max 32; min 8; SD 3 months) were performed revision operations. Surgical treatment has consisted of the Sistrunk procedure (n = 47; 92%), cystectomy (n = 4; 8%), or thyroidectomy (n = 1; 2%). Papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 2 (4%) patients, and medullary thyroid carcinoma was in 1 (2%) in our cases. They were no significant differences in gender and age, sociodemographics data. Conclusion Thyroglossal duct cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with swelling in the midline of the neck. Sistrunk operation, a safe surgical procedure with the least recurrence rate and a low risk of complications, is recommended as surgical treatment. Keywords: Thyroglossal duct cyst, Midline neck mass, Sistrunk operation