Long-term outcome of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for ingrowth thyroglossal duct cyst

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic radiofrequency (RF) ablation to treat ingrowth thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs).

Methods: Between September 2008 and October 2013, 9 patients with ingrowth TGDCs underwent endoscopic RF ablation at our hospital. Their operative time, blood loss, time until recovery of normal diet, postoperative hospitalization time, and recurrence were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: In the study, 8 patients underwent an RF procedure of less than 60 min. All patients resumed a normal diet within 48 h after the operation. The operative blood loss was <10 ml in 2 patients, and between 10 and 20 ml in 7 patients. The postoperative pain value was 2 (n = 2) and 3 or 4 (n = 7). Seven patients were discharged home on postoperative day 2 or 3, and 2 patients on postoperative day 4. The postoperative follow-up period was from 14 to 32 months. Only 1 patient suffered recurrence and underwent a modified Sistrunk procedure as a remedy. All patients reported complete resolution of the symptoms in their last follow-up.

Conclusions: Endoscopic RF ablation can be considered the preferred choice for treating ingrowth TGDCs because of minimal morbidity and rapid postoperative recovery. However, for lesions involving complicated branches, the modified Sistrunk procedure may be necessary.