Modified Sistrunk Procedure: A Novel Method of Hyoid Resection using Skin Punches in Subhyoid Thyroglossal Cysts

Abstract

Background/objectives Managing thyroglossal duct cyst requires surgical excision of the cyst with its tract through the tongue base. Incomplete removal results in cyst recurrence, the common complications of incompletely performed Sistrunk procedure. The Modified Sistrunk procedure using skin punches increases the easiness of surgery and chances of complete removal of the tract. Materials and methods Resection of the middle body of the hyoid was done by coring out the nonossified bone with 4.5 mm skin punches under 3.5× loupes and the tract above till the base. Results A total of 14 primary cases were operated by this slight modification, and no recurrences were seen on 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion Sistrunk operation is the treatment of choice for primary thyroglossal cysts. Modified Sistrunk operation using skin punches results in easy and precise coring of the hyoid bone with the tract attached to it. Secondary cysts should be treated with removal of core of tongue base muscle and foramen cecum mucosa along with hyoid and scarred cyst excision. How to cite this article Naik SM, Kumar BLY, Ravishankara S, Shashikumar T, Deekshith RM. Modified Sistrunk Procedure: A Novel Method of Hyoid Resection using Skin Punches in Subhyoid Thyroglossal Cysts. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2016;8(3):97-100.