Thyroglossal Duct Remnants in Infants and Children: Reevaluation of Histopathology and Methods for Resection

Abstract

Established principles for the management of thyroglossal duct remnants have been accepted widely since Sistrunk's description of the operative procedure in 1928. Nevertheless, inadequate excisions and troublesome recurrences still are encountered. We have reviewed 90 infants and children treated at The Children's Hospital in Boston over a 25-year period. Ten patients referred to our institution after an average of 2.4 prior operations per patient elsewhere suffered a recurrence rate of 30% after very wide reexcision. The remaining 80 patients who underwent primary excision at our institution had a 6.3% recurrence rate. All recurrences were managed successfully by further, wider excision. Histologic review demonstrated variability in patterns of drainage of the tract into the oropharynx, with accessory tracts and alveolar outpouchings off the main duct being present in 7.8% of specimens. This study demonstrates that the greatest opportunity for curative resection is at initial presentation, and that previous inadequate or unsuccessful excision is a major risk factor for further recurrence. The variability in microscopic anatomy of thyroglossal duct remnants can account for recurrent disease after lesser procedures, and underscores the importance of wide dissection above the hyoid bone. Our operative methods are illustrated.