Thyroglossal duct cyst excision—The Sistrunk procedure

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) excision is the most common midline congenital malformation of the neck. It results from incomplete involution of the thyroglossal duct, which connects the base of tongue to the thyroid. Since the adoption of the Sistrunk procedure, the rate of recurrence has been dramatically reduced. Pitfalls during the procedure are not removing the central portion of the hyoid bone and a cuff of tissue along the tract of the TGDC. Careful dissection and attention not to deviate from the midline avoid injury to the hypoglossal nerve.