Thyroglossal Duct Remnants: A Comparison in the Presentation and Management Between Children and Adults

Seventy one patients (43 children and 28 adults) of thyroglossal duct remnants (TGDRs) presented at a tertiary care institute from January 2001 to September 2017 were retrospectively analysed. The mean age of presentation was 7.15 years in children and 26.85 years in adults. The male to female ratio was 1.9:1 among children and 1.8:1 among adults. The most common presentation in children was a thyroglossal fistula (53.48%) whereas it was a painless cystic neck swelling (89.29%) in adults. All the children underwent a Sistrunk's operation whereas 78.57% of the adult patients underwent simple excision of cyst/fistula using the modified incision (Yadav's incision). Recurrence developed in one child and one adult patient who underwent Sistrunk's operation and none in the modified incision, these cases were treated with a second stage procedure. In conclusion, compared with adults, more children presented with a discharging thyroglossal fistula. The thyroglossal duct remnants can be managed successfully by simple excision in adults.