Transoral Submandibular Excision of Thyroglossal Cysts: A New Approach Model

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) or fistula is a prevalent congenital mass in the neck region. The objective of this study was to introduce a transoral submandibular surgical technique that has not been previously described in the literature. This technique was compared to the classic Sistrunk procedure and the vestibular approach, which is preferred in endoscope-robot-assisted methods.

The present study encompasses a cohort of 12 patients diagnosed with TGDC between 2011 and 2022, who underwent surgical intervention utilizing the transoral submandibular approach technique. The transoral submandibular technique is described in detail and compared with the classical transcervical technique and other transoral approach techniques. These comparisons are discussed in the light of current literature.

The total number of patients included in the study was 12, with ages ranging from 4 to 17 years. The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 to 120 months. The surgical duration ranged from 80 to 180 min, with an average of 102 ± 14.5 min. No intraoperative complications were observed in any of the patients.

The development of minimally invasive techniques has emerged as a response to the external incision scar problem associated with the Sistrunk procedure, the prevailing treatment for TGDC. These techniques hold considerable promise, yet the optimal technique remains elusive. It is hypothesized that the transoral submandibular approach for thyroglossal duct cyst excision will make a positive contribution to the literature in this context.