Thyroglossal duct surgery. What is the acceptable recurrence rate?

• DOI: 10.15537/smj.2020.8.25169
• Publication Date: 2020-08-13T09:32:05Z
• Authors: Asma A. Alahmadi; Osama A. Bawazir; Mohannad K. Rajab; Ibtihal A. Althob...; Abdullah O. Bawazir; Firas R. Abi Sheffah; Anas H. Al-Tammas; Osama A. Marglani; John C. Heaphy; Ameen Z. Alherabi
• Keywords: Male; Adolescent; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Saudi Arabia; Infant; Brief Communication; Thyroglossal Cyst; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Postoperative Complications; 0302 clinical medicine; Recurrence; Child, Preschool; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Humans; Female; Child; Retrospective Studies

To present experiences of different specialties in the treatment of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) and subsequent complications in multiple centers. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of all cases of TGDC for a period of 11 years from 2008-2019 by different departments from 3 different centers in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Bakhsh Hospital and International Medical Center). Results: Forty-nine patients were included. The type of surgery performed plays a significant role in recurrence (p less than 0.001). The Sistrunk procedure had a lower recurrence rate (0%) than simple excision (70%) and has showed a significantly long recurrence-free interval (p less than 0.001). Higher recurrence rates are associated with higher postoperative complications (p=0.002). Patients who underwent pre-operative fine needle aspiration did not have any recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The Sistrunk procedure is the gold standard technique with the highest recurrence-free interval rate. Fine needle aspiration could be recommended as a less invasive procedure to exclude malignancy.