Investigation and treatment of thyroglossal cysts in children

Thyroglossal cysts are the commonest midline neck masses in children. To ev aluate current practice questionnaires were sent to all ear, nose and throa t (ENT) and paediatric surgeons in the UK and 72% responded. The commonest investigation requested was an ultrasound scan (54%) and the commonest oper ation was a variant of Sistrunk's procedure (78%). Paediatric surgeons did fewer investigations than ENT surgeons and tended to excise more of the thy roglossal tract. Review of the published work suggests that ultrasound scan ning and Sistrunk's procedure are the best management policy. The scan can avoid inadvertent excision of an ectopic thyroid gland. Extensive thyroglos sal tract excisions give lower recurrence rates.