Laryngoceles and saccular cysts

Laryngoceles and saccular cysts are related, benign abnormalities of the larynx. The pathophysiology of both lesions can involve congenital as well as acquired factors, and the appearance of both may range from incidental findings on laryngoscopy to symptoms such as hoarseness, dysphagia, dyspnea, and laryngeal discomfort. The surgical techniques used for treatment of laryngoceles and saccular cysts are controversial. We present two cases for comparison and discuss the history, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of laryngoceles and saccular cysts. Emphasis is on the surgical approach, which in both cases transected the thyrohyoid membrane externally and provided excellent visualization and exposure without significant morbidity.