The Outcome of Surgical Removal of Thyroglossal Cyst in Children; Experience of a Decade

Abstract

Objective: To present postoperative outcome of surgical removal of thyroglossal cyst (TC) in children; single surgeon’s experience of a decade.

Methodology:  This is a retrospective study of 10 children admitted at Northern Area Armed Forces Hospital, Hafer Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, with the diagnosis of TC between period of June 2011 to October 2021. All the patients were managed by single surgeon by surgical removal with an average follow up of 5 years. There were six males and six females. The diagnosis was confirmed on clinical examination and supported by ultrasound evaluation of upper neck midline swelling. Surgical excision was done by Sistrunk procedure under general anesthesia. The outcome of surgical treatment of thyroglossal cyst is evaluated post operatively during an average regular follow up of 5 years.

Results: All the 10 children were operated by Sistrunk procedure during the period from June 2011 to October 2021 who were admitted with diagnosis of thyroglossal cyst. There were no associated anomalies. All the patients had excellent cosmetic outcome without any problem of wound infection. There is no recurrence of thyroglossal cyst in this series.

 Conclusion: Sistrunk surgical procedure to treat thyroglossal cyst in children is safe, effective and feasible with good cosmetic results. It avoids recurrence of thyroglossal cyst and morbidity. We recommend Sistrunk operation as gold standard to treat children with TC.