Removal of a Thyroglossal Cyst (Sistrunk Procedure)
What is a Thyroglossal Cyst?
A thyroglossal cyst is a small, usually harmless lump that can appear in the middle of your neck. It happens because of leftover tissue from when your thyroid gland was developing before you were born. Sometimes, this tissue doesn’t go away and forms a cyst (a fluid-filled sac).
Common Symptoms
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A painless lump or swelling in the middle of your neck, usually just below the hyoid bone (a small bone in your neck).
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Swelling may get bigger when you have a cold or throat infection.
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If the cyst gets infected, it can become painful, red, and tender.
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Rarely, it may cause trouble swallowing or breathing.
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Sometimes, the cyst can leak fluid if it bursts or gets infected.
Why Remove the Cyst?
Surgery is usually recommend to remove the cyst if:
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It gets infected or inflamed often.
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It causes discomfort or looks noticeable.
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It makes swallowing or breathing difficult (rare).
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There’s a very small chance it could turn into cancer.
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It keeps coming back or causing problems.
What is the Sistrunk Procedure?
The Sistrunk procedure is the standard surgery to remove a thyroglossal cyst. The goal is to take out the cyst and the tract (the leftover tissue) to prevent it from coming back.
Steps of the Surgery
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Preparation: You’ll have tests like an ultrasound or scan to check the cyst. Sometimes, a small needle test is done to rule out cancer.
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Anaesthesia: You’ll be asleep and pain-free during the operation.
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Incision: Dr Fragkiadakis will make a small cut in the middle of your neck, usually in a skin crease to help hide the scar.
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Removal: The cyst and the tract are carefully removed. Additionally, a small piece of the hyoid bone is also taken out to make sure all the tissue is gone.
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Closure: The cut is closed with stitches that dissolve on their own. A dressing or skin glue is put on to protect the area.
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Recovery: You’ll be watched after surgery until you wake up. Most people go home the same day.
Possible Risks
All surgeries have some risks, but serious problems are rare. Risks include:
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Infection at the cut site (usually treated with antibiotics).
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Bleeding during or after surgery.
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Injury to nearby structures (like muscles or nerves), which is very rare.
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The cyst coming back if all the tissue isn’t removed.
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Scarring (usually small and fades over time).
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Mild discomfort or changes in swallowing if part of the hyoid bone is removed (rare).
Recovery After Surgery
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Most people feel well and can return to normal activities within a week or two.
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Keep the wound clean and dry for a week.
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Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks.
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Swelling and bruising are common and should go away in a couple of weeks. Using ice packs can help.
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You’ll have follow-up appointments to check your healing and make sure the cyst doesn’t come back.
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