Surgery for thyroglossal cysts: Sistrunk's operation remains the standard

Surgical techniques for thyroglossal cysts still vary considerably. In this review, one-third of patients treated by simple cyst excision had recurrence and this operation cannot be recommended. There should be consensus that excision of the mid-portion of the hyoid bone be performed routinely. However, variations have been described in the syprahyoid dissection. The present review indicated that the classic Sistrunk operation provided the lowest rate of recurrence and should remain the standard procedure.