Background: Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) are usually resected through an incision over the entire protruding zone. The resulting scar is aesthetically displeasing, so we explored the use of endoscope-assisted excision of TDCs via a submaxillary vestibular approach. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility, validity, and safety of this approach and to evaluate the follow-up results.
Methods: From January 2007 to August 2015, 16 patients with TDCs underwent surgical resection using a submaxillary vestibular approach.
Results: All procedures were successfully performed using endoscope-assisted surgery via a submaxillary vestibular approach. There were no postoperative complications and no conversions of the operation. The average follow-up period was 73 months (range 14-117 months) without recurrence. All patients and their families were satisfied with the cosmetic results.
Conclusion: Endoscope-assisted excision of TDCs using a submaxillary vestibular approach is feasible and can be applied effectively and safely with good cosmetic results. Therefore, this method should be considered a viable alternative approach for these patients.
Keywords: cosmetic; endoscope-assisted; submaxillary vestibular approach; thyroglossal duct cysts; transoral.
© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.