How long does it take to recover from Sistrunk procedure?

Following the Sistrunk procedure, patients are instructed to avoid heavy lifting for 2 to 6 weeks. Depending on the size of the thyroglossal duct cyst, there may be a surgical drain in place, which would be removed within a few days of surgery. Pain medication or antibiotics may be prescribed postoperatively.

Can a thyroglossal cyst come back?

Thyroglossal duct cysts are usually harmless. Surgical cyst removal has a good outlook: over 95 percent of cysts are fully cured after surgery. The chance of a cyst returning is small.

What is the Sistrunk procedure?

Removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst or sinus tract, also known as the “Sistrunk procedure” after Dr. Sistrunk, involves a neck incision with dissection up to a small bone in the upper neck called the hyoid bone.

How do I know if my thyroglossal duct cyst is infected?

Symptoms may include:

1. A small, soft, round mass in the center front of the neck.
2. Tenderness, redness, and swelling of the mass, if infected.
3. A small opening in the skin near the mass, with drainage of mucus from the cyst.
4. Difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Do all thyroglossal duct cysts need to be removed?

Thyroglossal duct cysts are typically removed through surgical excision. However, if the cyst is infected, a surgical procedure should not be done until the infection is treated. Removing an infected cyst without adequately treating the infection can result in a more difficult surgery.

Is it necessary to remove Thyroglossal cyst?

Why thyroglossal cyst removal is done The procedure is most often done to prevent infection of the cyst. It may need to be done if the cyst is already infected. It may also be done if the cyst is large and causing symptoms. These can include problems breathing or swallowing.

Can you live with a thyroglossal cyst?

Thyroglossal cysts are most often found and treated in children. But they may sometimes go undetected or untreated until adulthood. In most cases, thyroglossal cysts are benign.

Is Sistrunk procedure major surgery?

Conclusions: The Sistrunk procedure remains the operation of choice for removal of the thyroglossal duct cyst. When the surgery is properly performed, with attention to key surgical landmarks, the risk of major complication is minimal. Complications that do occur are minor and wound related.

Is it necessary to remove thyroglossal duct cyst?

It is important that the cyst and the attached tract are completely removed. If a portion is left, the cyst has a higher likelihood of recurrence, or coming back. Any tissue that is removed will be sent to the pathology lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Is surgery necessary for thyroglossal duct cyst?

The treatment for a thyroglossal duct cyst is surgical removal. There is no known medical therapy with the exception of infected thyroglossal duct cysts, which require immediate antibiotic treatment. The infection should be resolved before surgery is performed.

When should a Thyroglossal cyst be removed?

Can you drain a Thyroglossal cyst?

Treatment. Thyroglossal duct cysts are typically removed through surgical excision. However, if the cyst is infected, a surgical procedure should not be done until the infection is treated. Removing an infected cyst without adequately treating the infection can result in a more difficult surgery.