Thyroglossal duct remnant surgery: a reliable, reproducible approach to the suprahyoid region

Risk-adjusted analysis of perioperative outcomes after the Sistrunk procedure

Objectives

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is the most common pediatric congenital neck mass. The Sistrunk procedure is the standard method of excision and is associated with low rates of recurrence. This study aimed to review our institution's outcomes following the Sistrunk procedure, specifically the rates of wound complications and cyst recurrence.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of pediatric patients undergoing the Sistrunk procedure from June 2009 to April 2021.

Results

A total of 273 patients were included. Of these, 139 (53%) patients were male and 181 (66%) were white. The average age at the time of surgery was 7.1 years. The overall cyst recurrence rate was 11%. The most common wound complications were seroma (14%) and surgical site infections (SSIs) (12%). Wound complications were associated with prior history of cyst infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.60, z-test 2.2, p = .03). Pediatric surgery was associated with fewer wound complications (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.6, z-test -2.78, p = .005). However, pediatric surgery operated on fewer patients with a history of cyst infection (36% vs. 55%, p = .012). Drain placement and postoperative antibiotics did not affect rates of wound complications.

Conclusions

Prior cyst infection is associated with increased rates of postoperative wound complications. Postoperative antibiotics and drain placement did not significantly affect complication rates.

Level of Evidence

4.

Two-centre experience in the treatment of thyroglossal duct remnants using the modified muscle-sparing Sistrunk technique

The Sistrunk procedure has long been the method of choice for treating patients with thyroglossal duct remnants (TDRs). However, the extent of the surgical resection in the suprahyoid segment of the TDR remains controversial, as this anatomical site is the origin of both disease recurrence and surgical morbidity. The aim of this two-centre retrospective cohort study was to investigate the outcomes of a modified muscle-sparing Sistrunk procedure in primary TDRs. The primary predictor was the surgical approach, and the outcome variable was the recurrence rate. A total of 110 consecutive patients (62 (56.4%) male, 48 (43.6%) female) who underwent a modified muscle-sparing Sistrunk procedure were included in the study. Their mean age at presentation was 26.9 ± 18.9 years. A modified muscle-sparing Sistrunk procedure using cold instruments, electrocautery, and a harmonic scalpel was performed in all patients. Recurrence was recorded in six (5.5%) patients. The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-7 days), and the median follow-up duration was 7 years (range 2-13 years). There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the conventional and modified muscle-sparing Sistrunk procedure in primary TDRs. The study findings showed that the modified muscle-sparing Sistrunk procedure had low recurrence and complication rates in the context of primary TDR.

Removal of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst by a Submental Approach

BACKGROUND

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is the most common congenital cyst in the neck and is removed by the Sistrunk procedure. This surgery involves a horizontal skin incision over the cyst that may leave a noticeable scar on the front of the neck. Therefore, this study examined the clinical outcomes and cosmetic benefits of the Sistrunk procedure by an incision in the submental area that is not easily visible from the front.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This observational study was performed on 152 patients who underwent the Sistrunk procedure by a submental approach to remove TGDC at a university medical center. Intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, subjective pain levels, and satisfaction with incision scars and neck and facial deformities, and recurrence were prospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The length of the submental incision was about 3 cm and the median total operation time was 36 min. Postoperative complications were minimal. Hematoma occurred in two cases (1.3%), surgical site infection in 1 case (0.7%), and dysphagia for more than 1 week occurred in 1 case (0.7%). On a 0-10 visual analogue scale, the pain had a median value of 2 on the first day after surgery, and satisfaction with incision scars and neck and facial deformities showed median values of 8 and 10 at 6 months after surgery, respectively. Recurrence occurred in one patient (0.7%) during the median follow-up period of 68 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The submental approach for TGDC excision may be a reliable new surgical method that is safe and has cosmetic advantages. This observational study evaluated the clinical outcomes and cosmetic benefits of the Sistrunk procedure by a submental incision for thyroglossal duct cyst in 152 patients. The surgical procedure showed no increased operation time, no need for wide flap elevation, easy suprahyoid dissection, and an invisible scar in a natural position of the neck.

Sistrunk vs modified Sistrunk procedures: Does procedure type matter?

BACKGROUND

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst (TDC) is the most common congenital neck mass in children and is surgically managed with a Sistrunk procedure. Some surgeons perform a modified Sistrunk (mSis), involving the dissection of the fistula beyond the hyoid bone without coring out the foramen cecum at the base of the tongue. We aim to evaluate surgical outcomes of children undergoing Sistrunk (Sis) or modified Sistrunk (mSis) procedures for TDC at an academic pediatric institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of the Children's National Medical Center database from 2004 to 2014. Basic demographic information, preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and recurrence were extracted for children diagnosed with TDC. We estimated descriptive statistics using Kruskal-Wallis tests and Pearson's chi-square for continuous and categorical values.

RESULTS

157 patients that underwent TDC excision were identified. Sistrunk (Sis) was performed in 52 cases (33%) and modified Sistrunk (mSis) performed in 105 (67%) cases. 84 (54%) were female and the mean age at surgery was 5.4 years (SD=4.5). Overall recurrence was detected in 8 cases (5.1%) and did not differ significantly by procedure type [2 (4%) in Sis and 6 (6%) in mSis, p = 0.616]. Post-operative complications did not differ significantly between Sis and mSis procedure: swelling [6 (12%) and 18 (17%), p = 0.481]; seroma [5 (10%) and 10 (10%), p = 1.00]; surgical site infection [3 (6%) and 8 (8%), p = 0.752]; or post-excision incision and drainage [3 (6%) and 9 (9%), p = 0.752] (respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal no statistical difference in recurrence rates between Sis and mSis with no risk factors for recurrence identified. Furthermore, there was no difference in post-operative complications between the groups. Both surgical procedures were associated with few complications and low recurrence.

Postoperative Disposition Following Pediatric Sistrunk Procedures: A National Database Query

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

Variability exists in the postoperative disposition of children following Sistrunk procedures. Management options include discharge home versus overnight observation, with the latter allowing monitoring for immediate postoperative complications, presumably reducing the need for subsequent readmission. This study investigates the association between overnight observation and ambulatory management of children undergoing Sistrunk procedures and relevant postoperative complication and revisit rates to clarify best practice for these patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective database review using the Pediatric Health Information System database from 2007 to 2016.

RESULTS

The cited dataset identified 6,434 qualifying patients, categorized into ambulatory versus overnight observation cohorts. The overall 30-day revisit rate was 4.9%; the revisit rate with overnight observation (6.1%) was higher than for ambulatory patients (3.8%, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21, 2.12). Revisit rates were significantly higher in patients 2 years of age or younger compared to older patients (6.7% vs. 4.3%). The rates of return to the operating room for the observation versus ambulatory groups were 1.8% and 0.5%, respectively. Cervical fluid collection and neck swelling were among the most common revisit indications in both groups, with a mean time to presentation of 9 days.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that ambulatory management following a Sistrunk procedure is not associated with increased rates of common postoperative complications, readmission, or need for secondary surgical intervention. A Sistrunk procedure may be safely performed on an ambulatory basis in select cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2352-E2355, 2021.

The Relevance of and Surgical Approach to the Suprahyoid Region in Thyroglossal Duct Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Persistent or recurrent disease following excision of a thyroglossal duct cyst/sinus (TGDC) is often found in the suprahyoid region. Cadaver dissections were performed to identify and name important surgical landmarks in the suprahyoid area; a histopathologic analysis of surgical specimens was completed to determine the incidence and extent of microscopic disease; and clinical outcomes were compared to determine the efficacy of a specific anatomic dissection.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Standardized dissections of four adult cadavers were performed. Consecutive surgical specimens were examined for evidence of microscopic TDGC disease in the suprahyoid region, measuring the greatest width and length of disease. A retrospective review of all consecutive TGDC procedures was completed.

RESULTS

The important surgical landmarks in the suprahyoid area were identified in all cadavers. Microscopic disease in the suprahyoid area was found in 79% (37 of 47) of surgical specimens. The mean greatest length and width of microscopic disease was 12.4 mm and 1.4 mm, respectively. Following identification of these landmarks, the incidence of recurrent or persistent disease decreased (P = .02) from 5% (8 of 159) to 0% (0 of 112).

CONCLUSION

The majority of pediatric patients with a TGDC will have microscopic disease in the suprahyoid area. The surgical landmark of the fascial plane between the geniohyoid and genioglossus muscles demarcates the anterior and lateral borders of resection in the suprahyoid area. This approach can be used as a reliable and easily reproducible technique in TGDC surgery to increase confidence of achieving complete removal of disease in the suprahyoid area, avoiding persistent or recurrent disease and a revision procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:553-558, 2021.

To drain or not to drain following a Sistrunk procedure: A dual institutional experience

INTRODUCTION

A Sistrunk procedure is the standard operative management of patients with thyroglossal duct cysts. Drain placement is commonly employed with the goal of reducing postoperative complications. This study investigates the association between drain use and relevant postoperative complications following pediatric Sistrunk procedures.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study evaluating 295 pediatric patients treated between 2007 and 2016 at two tertiary care children's hospitals.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 5.6 years (SD 4.0). A drain was utilized in 234 cases (79.3%). The mean procedural duration was 108 min (SD 48), and significantly longer in patients receiving a drain. Early postoperative complications included seroma (5.8%), secondary infection (3.4%), wound breakdown (2.0%) and hematoma (0.3%). The risk of such complications did not significantly differ between patients without drain placement (9.8%) versus those who underwent surgical drain placement (12.0%) after accounting for age and history of preoperative infection (adjusted RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.37, 1.98; p = 0.72). In the subgroup analysis, findings were consistent across institutions, age category, history of infection, and primary versus secondary procedure.

CONCLUSION

This dual institutional study found drain placement during a Sistrunk procedure may not reduce rates of common postoperative complications, even in longer duration cases in which a drain is more frequently placed. This data suggests a Sistrunk procedure may be safely performed without drain placement in select cases.

Why Central Neck Dissection Works (and Fails) for Recurrent Thyroglossal Duct Remnants

OBJECTIVE

To review the patient characteristics and outcomes for children and undergoing central neck dissection for control of recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts and fistula following prior Sistrunk procedures and children requiring surgery for refractory infection.

METHODS

We performed a computerized review of all children who were evaluated for thyroglossal duct cysts during the years 1999-2018 by a single surgeon operating at an urban children's hospital and an outpatient surgical center. Those requiring a central neck dissection for control of recurrent disease or intractable infection were identified. Age at time of surgery, sex, surgical procedure, and postoperative complications were recorded. These data were combined with similar data from a published report by the same surgeon in the years 1990-1998 to complete a 28-year review.

RESULTS

18 central neck dissections were performed including 13 for recurrent thyroglossal duct remnants after Sistrunk procedures and 5 primary surgeries for intractable infection. Ages ranged from 3 to 19 years (median = 10 years) and 13 of 18 were girls (72%). Four children had their first Sistrunk surgery performed by the senior author. Three children operated elsewhere had intact hyoid bones at the time of revision surgery, suggesting less-than-Sistrunk primary surgeries. Central neck dissection controlled disease in the lower neck in all cases. One child re-fistulized at the level of the hyoid.

CONCLUSIONS

Central neck dissection in combination with a Sistrunk-type dissection of the tongue base is effective in the control of recurrent infection following unsuccessful Sistrunk surgery and aids in dissection for children with intractable infection. Although this technique reliably controls infrahyoid disease and improves access to the hyoid and posterior hyoid space, it does nothing to address the difficulties of following the thyroglossal tract into the tongue base.

Prevalence of an intact hyoid bone at revision excision of a thyroglossal duct remnant

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of an intact hyoid bone at the time of revision thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) surgery in a pediatric population.

METHODS

The operative reports of 44 patients under 18 years of age who underwent a revision TGDC surgery from March 1997 to October 2015 at Children's Hospital Los Angeles were reviewed to determine finding of an intact hyoid bone at the time of the revision procedure.

RESULTS

At the time of the revision surgery, 75% of the patients had an intact hyoid bone and 25% did not.

CONCLUSION

Patients who experience a recurrence of a TGDC are more likely than not to have an intact hyoid bone at revision surgery. These data indicate that some surgeons are not following the recommendation from Schlange and Sistrunk that removal of the mid-portion of the hyoid bone should be a routine part of any primary procedure for excision of a known or suspected TGDC in order to decrease the risk of recurrence. Despite the prevalent knowledge that the central portion of the hyoid bone be removed during a TGDC procedure, special attention should be given to the area of the midportion of the hyoid bone as a likely site of persistent disease in revision cases even if a previous operative report documents resection of a portion of the hyoid bone and/or cartilage.

The Central Neck Dissection or the Modified Sistrunk Procedure in the Treatment of the Thyroglossal Duct Cysts in Children: Our Experience

Background

The aim of the study was to present the surgical techniques providing the lowest recurrence rate in treatment of the primary and recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) in children.

Methods

The study included 73 patients operated on because of TGDC in years 2011-2016. Ultrasound was performed in all patients preoperatively. In 8 patients with the recurrence of the disease, the CT or MR was carried out before the surgery. Children with the primary disease underwent the modified Sistrunk procedure. In the revision cases the central neck dissection was a method of choice.

Results

In 45 children, the modified Sistrunk procedure was performed and 28 underwent the central neck dissection. In 2 patients, hematoma occurred after the modified Sistrunk procedure with the need of the surgical revision in one. No complications were observed after the central neck dissection.

Conclusions

A modified Sistrunk procedure is method of choice in the treatment of the uncomplicated TGDC. In selected cases of the TGDC with a history of infected cyst or incision of an abscess or in revision cases the central neck dissection should be considered in order to avoid the risk of the further recurrences.

The Central Neck Dissection or the Modified Sistrunk Procedure in the Treatment of the Thyroglossal Duct Cysts in Children: Our Experience

Background

The aim of the study was to present the surgical techniques providing the lowest recurrence rate in treatment of the primary and recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) in children.

Methods

The study included 73 patients operated on because of TGDC in years 2011–2016. Ultrasound was performed in all patients preoperatively. In 8 patients with the recurrence of the disease, the CT or MR was carried out before the surgery. Children with the primary disease underwent the modified Sistrunk procedure. In the revision cases the central neck dissection was a method of choice.

Results

In 45 children, the modified Sistrunk procedure was performed and 28 underwent the central neck dissection. In 2 patients, hematoma occurred after the modified Sistrunk procedure with the need of the surgical revision in one. No complications were observed after the central neck dissection.

Conclusions

A modified Sistrunk procedure is method of choice in the treatment of the uncomplicated TGDC. In selected cases of the TGDC with a history of infected cyst or incision of an abscess or in revision cases the central neck dissection should be considered in order to avoid the risk of the further recurrences.

Bilateral areolar endoscopic Sistrunk operation: a novel technique for thyroglossal duct cyst surgery

BACKGROUND

Sistrunk operation of the thyroglossal duct is a procedure for the removal of a cyst, the middle part of the hyoid bone and tract towards the foramen caecum. Unavoidably, this procedure results in a scar on the skin in the neck area. By performing a bilateral areolar endoscopic Sistrunk operation, this study is the first to develop a procedure that can solve the aesthetic problem. This operation results in both an excellent cosmetic result and the successful treatment of TGDC.

METHODS

A three-port technique was performed in this operation: 10-mm port for 30°, 10-mm laparoscope, 5-mm port for the instrument at the left circumareolar area and 5-mm port located at the right circumareolar area. Insufflation pressure of CO₂ gas was set at 6 mm Hg. The surgical working space was located over the breast tissue and pectoralis muscles, towards the anterior neck to the hyoid bone. The steps employed for resection were similar to a conventional Sistrunk operation using standard laparoscopic instruments and hook scissors.

RESULTS

A series of 11 patients were successfully treated using this novel technique with neither conversion to open surgery nor surgical complications. Average operative time was 88.54 min (ranging from 60 to 130 min). Average blood loss was 35 mL. (ranging from 15 to 67 mL). Patients were discharged in an average of 2.36 days after the procedure (ranging from 2 to 3 days).

CONCLUSION

This novel technique for TGDC Sistrunk surgery using an areolar approach is feasible, safe and effective. The benefit of this technique is the cosmetic result, which leaves no scarring on the neck after wound healing and may provide a new method for optimal aesthetic results.

Surgical management outcomes of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst in children--A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Management of recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) remains a clinical challenge to otolaryngologists--head and neck surgeons. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the best surgical management for recurrent TGDC.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for relevant articles was carried out on electronic databases named Ovid Medline, Ovid Medline in process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, Ovid OldMedline, and Ovid Medline Daily. Articles published in English until 2014 were eligible for review. Using predefined inclusion criteria, published articles on surgical outcomes in the management of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst, were selected, reviewed, and their findings synthesized.

RESULTS

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review comprising a total of 66 patients who underwent 114 secondary surgeries. Better outcomes were observed with en bloc neck dissection vs. a revision Sistrunk with a recurrence rate of 20% vs. 30.12% respectively. In addition two new surgical approaches, suture-guided transhyoid pharyngotomy and Koempel's suprahyoid technique reported 100% success rate.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence after primary surgical management remains a clinical challenge. We highlight the outcomes of the 4 main surgical techniques reported in the literature, repeat Sistrunk procedure, en bloc neck dissection, suture-guided transhyoid pharyngotomy, and Koempel's suprahyoid technique. Although this review reports a 100% success rate with the 2 latter techniques, further prospective studies and additional experience with these same techniques by other surgeons/institutions with or without a randomized trial could provide additional confirmation of improved outcomes using these specific surgical procedures.