Can the hyoid bone be removed?

Although a central portion of the hyoid bone is frequently removed along with the cyst, the tissue above the hyoid is often not excised fully. Instead, it is common practice to simply follow the tract above the hyoid until it breaks off or disappears.

What happens after 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.

What is removed in 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.

What do you need to know about the Sistrunk procedure?

The Sistrunk procedure consists of removing a thyroglossal duct cyst and surrounding tissues. The rationale for this procedure is that cure of the thyroglossal duct cysts will be unsuccessful unless the epithelium-lined tract (extending from the cyst to the foramen cecum) is completely removed and that the attempt…

How is the hyoid bone taken out of a thyroglossal duct?

For example, I didn’t know that when a surgeon excises a thyroglossal duct cyst, that he or she usually takes out the middle section of the hyoid bone, the section between the two lesser horns. This operation is called a Sistrunk procedure.

What is the procedure of Walter Ellis Sistrunk?

a core through the tissues from the hyoid bone to the foramen cecum is removed, removing the duct along with the tissue. the opening into the mouth is closed and the genioglossus muscles are drawn together. Walter Ellis Sistrunk was an American surgeon who described this procedure and published it in the Annals of Surgery in 1920 1. 1 Sistrunk WE.

Can a Sistrunk procedure cause an airway obstruction?

The Anatomy. Of course any edema or hematoma formation would only exacerbate this tendency to obstruct the airway. While extremely rare, other potential complications of the Sistrunk procedure include resection of other parts of the larynx, especially in the small child where identification of laryngeal anatomy can be more challenging.