Transoral Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Excision

ABSTRACT

A thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is one of the most common causes of anterior midline neck mass. Successful management of a TGDC requires histopathology and an understanding of the embryogenesis of the thyroid. Traditional TGDC surgery uses a transcervical approach, which results in an external neck scar. In contrast to the surgical removal of a benign neck mass, TGDC surgery should include removal of the cyst, the hyoid bone, and the thyroid remnant track from the foramen cecum to the hyoid bone. Considering the embryological development of the TGDC, it was evident to us that an entirely transoral approach to the TGDC region was an option. Before its descent, the TGDC originates from the bottom of the tongue. The TGDC is located behind the strap muscles of the neck and the hyoid bone. Following this naturally predetermined access alongside the TGDC, we were able to develop a new surgical approach to the TGDC area and introduced the transoral TGDC excision.