The effectiveness of transoral marsupialization for lingual thyroglossal duct cysts — Twelve successfully treated cases at a single institution

Purpose Lingual thyroglossal duct cysts (L-TGDCs) are rare and sometimes lethal owing to their association with asphyxia. We aimed to analyze our single institutional experience with L-TGDCs. Methods Twelve L-TGDC cases treated at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017 were investigated. Results The male/female ratio was 6/6. The age at the diagnosis was 2 ± 1.4 months (7 days to 6 months), and 3 patients were diagnosed in the neonatal period. The patients presented with stridor (n = 12; 100%), growth retardation (n = 5; 42%), apnea (n = 3; 25%), and vomiting (n = 1; 8.3%). Lateral X-rays were obtained in 8 cases (66.7%); a lingual mass was suspected in 7 (87.5%). Transoral marsupialization of the cyst was performed under direct vision in all cases. All cases were nasally and orally intubated using a laryngoscope, bronchoscope, or airway scope. The mean operative time was 18 ± 2.9 min. The mean cyst size was 10.5 ± 1.8 mm. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period (37.5 ± 18 months). Conclusion L-TGDC requires a precise diagnosis and rapid intervention because of the risk of asphyxia resulting in sudden death. Transoral marsupialization under direct vision is an effective and secure approach. L-TGDC should be considered when patients younger than six months of age present with respiratory distress. Type of study Retrospective Study. Level of evidence Level IV.