Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Excision

A surgery to remove tissue will be discussed if a thyroglossal duct cyst is identified in your child. In this surgery, a small incision in the front of your child’s neck will be made, typically above the Adam’s apple. The cyst and a small portion of the hyoid bone in the front of the neck will be removed. If this portion of bone is not removed, the likelihood of the cyst returning is high.

Your child’s surgeon will most likely place a small drain which will remain in place overnight to prevent fluid from building up underneath the skin. Your child will be monitored in the hospital overnight and able to return home the following day.

There are small risks to the procedure including infection at the site of surgery, bleeding, scar tissue formation and return of the thyroglossal duct cyst. There also is a small risk of injury to the windpipe or throat as the cyst is sometimes very near these structures. These risks will be discussed in more detail at the time of your child’s office visit.