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

Does thyroglossal duct arborization play a role in the post-surgical outcome of Sistrunk procedure in children?

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study is to analyze thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) histopathological features, with focus on "arborization", in a cohort of pediatric patients who underwent surgical removal, and evaluate a possible correlation with clinical recurrences.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgical resection for TGDC at the division of Pediatric Surgery of the University of Pisa from 2015 to 2020 was performed; for each patient, the following data were recorded: age, sex, clinical presentation, localization, size of the lesion, diagnostic tools, histopathological features, perioperative complications, recurrence and follow-up.

RESULTS

With respect to arborization, following histopathological analysis 25/30 patients (83.3%) presented thyroglossal duct branching. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, only 2 out of 30 patients (6.7%), one male and one female, respectively aged 4 y.o. and 6 y.o., presented recurrence within one year from first surgery.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for TGDC remains a challenge for pediatric surgeons, while arborization was present in most of our cases which underwent surgery. With respect to the role of arborization, our study did not highlight sufficient conclusive data regarding their role in recurrence: instead, it showed wide resection as satisfactory, being the arborization present in most of the cases at histopathology.

Preoperative investigations in thyroglossal duct cyst surgery: a 9-year experience and proposed practice guide

INTRODUCTION

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are the commonest midline developmental cyst and have a bimodal age distribution. They usually develop in an infrahyoid position. A National survey of TGDC practice among otolaryngologists in 2012 recommended preoperative investigation with ultrasound, with or without blood tests.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of preoperative investigation for clinically diagnosed TGDC surgeries between 2012 and 2020 in a single tertiary centre was undertaken. This was collated alongside postoperative outcomes (histology, recurrence, hypothyroidism). Comparison was made with the 2012 national survey.

RESULTS

Ninety-five cases of thyroglossal duct surgery in children and adults were studied. Demographic data were comparable to the literature. Ultrasonography was the most commonly used preoperative investigation. Histology of 71% of excised cysts confirmed TGDC with another 8% reported as development cysts. The excision of the cyst with a cuff of strap muscles and middle portion of hyoid bone had the lowest recurrence rate, which was 4% overall in this study. There were no cases of ectopic thyroid tissue or postoperative hypothyroidism.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Nearly a decade of thyroglossal duct cyst excisions in a large-volume unit gave detail on actual preoperative practice and outcomes. Practice was found to be consistent overall with the 2012 recommendations although not standardised across all cases. From this experience, and a literature review, a visual guide on preoperative investigations for different age groups in the form of a flow chart is proposed to reduce risk of complications while avoiding unnecessary investigations.

Thyroglossal Duct Lipoma: A Case Report and a Systematic Review of the Literature for Its Management

Thyroglossal duct (TGD) remnants in the form of cysts or fistulas usually present as midline neck masses and they are removed along with the central body of the hyoid bone (Sistrunk's procedure). For other pathologies associated with the TGD tract, the latter operation might be not necessary. In the present report, a case of a TGD lipoma is presented and a systematic review of the pertinent literature was performed. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman with a pathologically confirmed TGD lipoma who underwent transcervical excision without resecting the hyoid bone. Recurrence was not observed after six months of follow-up. The literature search revealed only one other case of TGD lipoma and controversies are addressed. TGD lipoma is an exceedingly rare entity whose management might avoid hyoid bone excision.

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.

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.

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.

Midline cervical swellings: What a paediatrician needs to know

Midline cervical swellings are a heterogeneous group of conditions in children. Careful clinical examination will allow a diagnosis to be made in many instances and appropriate investigations to be performed before referral to surgical services. The approach to clinical examination, investigation and management of the most common conditions is described.

Thyroglossal duct cyst surgery: A ten-year single institution experience

OBJECTIVE

1. Review our institution's experience with thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) excision. 2. Determine if TGDC recurrence rate is influenced by surgical technique, preoperative infection, or surgeon specialty.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients at a tertiary care children's hospital who underwent excision of neck mass with proven TGDC histopathology from 2005 to 2015. Patient demographics and presentation, preoperative workup, surgeon specialty, procedural details, lesion characteristics, and complication rates including recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTS

108 patients (51% male, 49% female), aged 6 months to 20 years (mean 6 years) met inclusion criteria. 121 procedures were performed: 96 (79.3%) for primary disease and 25 (20.7%) for recurrence. 32 patients (27.8%) were infected preoperatively, resulting in a significant increase in complications and recurrence (46.9% and 28.1%, respectively). Lack of preoperative imaging was correlated with increased recurrence (p = 0.0002). Recurrence rate after treatment for primary (11.3%) versus secondary disease (24%) was not significant (p = 0.23). Total recurrence rate differed between ENT (9.1%) and Pediatric Surgery (PS) (27.3%) (p = 0.0172). Difference was not significant for recurrence in primary disease (10% ENT, 14.8% PS, p = 0.49), but was for secondary disease (5.6% ENT, 71.4% PS, p = 0.002). Modifications of Sistrunk's procedure did not result in increased rates of recurrence (p = 0.1273).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative TGDC infection and lack of imaging led to a significant increase in postoperative complications, including recurrence. Surgical specialty significantly affected recurrence rates following excision overall and in secondary disease. Recurrence was not affected by surgical technique, age, sex, cyst size, or mucin rich histology.

Doxycycline: A sclerosant agent to treat a case of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is one of the most common congenital anterior midline neck masses in children. Sistrunk operation is considered as the cornerstone in TGDC removal. Nevertheless, 5% to 7 % of patients have been reported to show a recurrence even after adequate resection. This necessitates at times multiple resections with potential complications. One interesting emerging technique is sclerotherapy of TGDC remnants post resection. We present here a case of a child who had a successfully treated recurrent TGDC using sclerotherapy with doxycycline.