Radiofrequency coblation assisted transoral excision of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst

Radiofrequency coblation (RFC) is a relatively new device that has been used in several transoral procedures. Currently, clinical data on its use for excising lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (LTGDC) are lacking. Herein, we conducted this retrospective case series to explore the feasibility and efficacy of RFC-assisted transoral surgery (RFC-TOS) in excising LTGDC. A total of 12 LTGDC patients between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively studied. The cysts of these patients were all fully removed along the boundary to the depth of the hyoid using RFC wands. All surgeries were completed within 30 minutes. Only one patient had an intraoperative blood loss of more than 10 ml. All patients started oral feeding on the day of operation. The mean postoperative hospital stay was only 3.3 days (range 1-8 days). No surgical-related short-term and long-term complications were observed. One patient was lost to follow up, and no recurrences occurred during a mean follow-up period of 52.7 months among the other 11 patients. Therefore, we believe that RFC is a reliable tool in transoral operation for treating LTGDC. LTGDC patients who underwent RFC-TOS showed quick recovery, low risks of complications, and excellent clinical and functional outcomes.

Symptomatic Lingual Thyroglossal Duct Cyst in Children: A Laryngomalacia Phenotype

OBJECTIVES

Patients with lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) can present as symptomatic with obstructive airway and feeding difficulties.

METHODS

We present 3 cases of symptomatic lingual TGDC.

RESULTS

All 3 patients were diagnosed with laryngomalacia and underwent further concurrent or delayed airway intervention, in addition to cyst removal.

CONCLUSIONS

We reason that there is a phenotype of laryngomalacia in the symptomatic lingual thyroglossal duct cyst patients who present with symptoms due to disruption in laryngeal anatomy rather than the cyst itself causing obstructive symptoms. Distinguishing this phenotype, especially in comparison to other pathologies such as vallecular cysts, may better allow for planning of concurrent or delayed airway procedures and overall counseling of parents.