Excision of Thyroglossal Duct Cyst (Sistrunk Procedure)

Sistrunk Procedure for excision of thyroglossal duct cyst

Indications for Sistrunk procedure include:
1. Chronically infected cyst with fistula to the skin
2. Recurrent infections
3. Enlargement causing cosmetic concerns

Surgery is indicated before cysts become infected, as there is a higher rate of recurrence after excision of previously infected cysts

Active infection

Allis Forceps
Bipolar electrocautery
Bovie electrocautery
DeBakey forceps
Dissectors
Heavy scissor
Penrose drain
Scalpel
Vicryl And Monocryl Sutures

Supine position
1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine.
#15 blade
2-0 silk sutures
3-0 Prolene
Irrigation
Bipolar and standard cautery
Quarter inch Penrose drain
3-0 nylon suture tied over baton.
4-0 Vicryl
5-0 Monocryl suture
Dermabond
Fluffs
Surgifix dressing

An ultrasound confirms diagnosis and should include evaluation of the thyroid gland and evidence of any ectopic thyroid tissue. Thyroid replacement therapy may be indicated if the thyroglossal duct cyst contains the child’s only thyroid tissue.
An MRI or CT can be ordered if ultrasound is insufficient to confirm diagnosis

Cricoid cartilage
Hyoid bone
Strap muscles
Thyroid cartilage and notch
Thyrohyoid membrane: The thyrohyoid membrane is used as conduit to identify the posterior aspect of the hyoid bone
Posterior hyoid space (PHS)

Bleeding
Infection
Recurrence
Scarring
Dysphagia
Injury to nearby neurovascular structures such as the hypoglossal nerve

None

Oomen, K et al. Thyroglossal Duct Cyst and Ectopic Thyroid. Otolaryngol Clin N Am 48 (2015) 15-27.

Chandra RK, Maddalozzo J, Kavark P. Histolgical characterization of the thyroglossal duct tract: implications for surgical management. Laryngoscope 2001: 111:1002-5

Maddalozzo J, Venkatesan TK, Gupta P. Complications associated with the Sistrunk procedure. Laryngoscope 2001; 111:119-23

Perkins JA, Inglis AF, Sie KC, et al. Recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts: a 23-year experience and a new method for management. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2006;115:850-6.