Pediatric thyroglossal duct cysts: Post-operative complications

Introduction: Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs)result from incomplete involution of the thyroglossal duct and are resected with a Sistrunk-procedure. We studied and graded severity of postoperative complications in children who underwent this procedure, with corresponding risk factors. Methods: In our electronic health record system we reviewed the medical records of all patients aged <18 years, with surgically treated TGDC between 01-01–2005 and 31-12-2015 in two university hospitals. Risk factors (age, gender, recurrence at presentation, treatment hospital, cyst inflammation, cyst rupture, drain placement, antibiotics or postoperative infection)were studied by univariate analysis. The Clavien-Dindo surgical complication classification was used as postoperative surgical grading system. Results: Of the ninety-one patients, with a mean age of 4.4 years, seven were referred from other hospitals with a recurrent TGDC. 24 patients (26.4%)had a complication. Hemorrhage and resection of thyroid cartilage were the most severe complications. Recurrence and wound infection (both n = 7, 7.7%)were most common. We could not identify risk factors for these complications. Conclusions: The treatment of children with thyroglossal duct cysts shows a considerable amount of complications. Pre-selected risk factors did not show any significant correlation with these complications.