Anatomy-based surgery to remove thyroglossal duct cyst: two anomalous cases.

OBJECTIVE

To review previous reports and to discuss the management of branching polycystic and giant thyroglossal duct cysts.

CASE REPORT: We present two cases of thyroglossal duct cyst: one a branching, polycystic thyroglossal duct cyst in an 11-year-old boy, and the other a giant thyroglossal cyst in a 41-year-old man. Such cysts are rare. Both patients were operated upon according to the methods of Sistrunk and Horisawa, and both had a satisfactory post-operative course.

DISCUSSION: We discuss the most important aspects of such cyst removal procedures.

CONCLUSION

Our experience suggests that surgery to remove an anomalous thyroglossal duct cyst should be performed using a technique based on the anatomy of the hyoid bone region.