TITLE:
Thyroglossal Duct Anomalies in Pediatric and Adult Population: A 10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital
AUTHORS:
Montasir Junaid, Ghaleb Al-Sayed, Sayed Agha Ali Shah, Hareem U. Khan, Ali Mahdi Al Qannass, Nadeem W. Malik, Yahya Al Kahtani, Ahmed Arghabi, Abdul Aziz Ali Binhossan, Sadaf Qadeer Ahmed
KEYWORDS:
Midline Neck Swelling, Thyroglossal Duct Cyst, Sinus Tract, Sistrunk Procedure
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.12 No.7,
July
26,
2021
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Thyroglossal duct cyst is a well-recognized congenital midline neck swelling observed in early childhood and rarely in adults. It may reveal itself as a painless cyst, abscess, or as fistula. Several studies have been conducted across the world, but the literature is scarce on its presentation and complications in the Middle East. This indexing study aims to report a 10-year experience with thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) presentation, excision, and recurrence at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, KSA from December 2008 to December 2018. Data were retrieved from the electronic medical record system of the hospital and validated with the histopathology records. A total of 48 patients diagnosed as TGDC, sinus or fistula were identified. Stata ver. 16.1 was used to analyze the data and results formulated using regression model and Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: The majority of our patients were female (60.4%), and the most common presentation was a midline neck swelling which moved with tongue protrusion. Surgical excision via Complete Sistrunk procedure was the operation of choice in 60.5% followed by excision of the cyst with tract and sinus tract. Previous infection and surgical history contributed to complications in our patients, but no association of age or gender was observed. Patients presenting with infected and discharging cysts were found to be much more likely to develop a recurrence (9 patients). Cysts deep to the hyoid showed more recurrence [n = 7 (78%)] compared to superficial cysts [n = 2 (22%)] and posterior and multi-tract lesions also showed significant recurrence. Conclusion: Despite being a common cause of neck swelling, thyroglossal duct cyst is often missed on physical exams. To reduce complications, timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary.