THYROGLOSSAL DUCT CYSTS AND FISTULAS IN P EDIATRIC-PATIENTS - A REVIEW OF 125 CASES

Thyroglossal duct defects are fairly common. One hundred and twenty-fi ve cases of thyroglossal duct cysts and fistulas seen in pediatric pat ients between January 1982 and December 1992 in the ENT department of the August 20th Casablanca Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Age range was 3 to 15 years. Sex ratio was 1. Fistulas were slightly more common (59 %) than cysts. The lesion was located on the midline in 87 .2 % of cases and under the hyoid bone in 40 % of cases. All the typic al clinical features were seen. The Sistrunk procedure was performed i n all patients, including the six who had had a previous surgical proc edure for their thyroglossal duct defect. Postoperative course was usu ally uneventful. Six patients developed a recurrence due to incomplete surgical removal. No evidence of malignity was found in the 32 patien ts who had histological studies. These data are similar to results of studies from other countries. In conclusion, thyroglossal duct defects are readily diagnosed. A faultless surgical technique is essential to avoid recurrences.