Tracheal injury complicating Sistrunk's thyroglossal cyst surgery

F Blanc; C Blanchet; M Mondain; M Akkari

doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2019.10.005

Tracheal injury complicating Sistrunk's thyroglossal cyst surgery

Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2020 Mar;137(2):131-133. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2019.10.005. Epub 2019 Oct 22.

Authors

F Blanc¹, C Blanchet², M Mondain², M Akkari²

Affiliations

¹ Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale, UAM d'ORL pédiatrique, Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, Université de Montpellier, CHU de Montpellier, 80, avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France. Electronic address: fabian-blanc@chu-montpellier.fr.
² Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale, UAM d'ORL pédiatrique, Hôpital Gui-de-Chauliac, Université de Montpellier, CHU de Montpellier, 80, avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.

PMID: 31653460
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2019.10.005

Abstract

Introduction: Airway injury is a very rare complication of thyroglossal duct cyst surgery in children. The wound is most frequently located at the larynx, due to a confusion between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage.

Observation: This is the first report of a tracheal injury complicating Sistrunk's procedure in a 3 year old child, revealed by respiratory distress. Conservative treatment was suggested, requiring a tracheostomy lasting 49 days, leading to decanulation and complete anatomical and functional recovery.

Conclusion: This report highlights the specificity of pediatric laryngotracheal anatomy.

Keywords: Pediatric laryngeal anatomy; Pediatric respiratory distress; Sistrunk's procedure; Thyroglossal duct cyst; Tracheal injury.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Intraoperative Complications*
Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / methods
Thyroglossal Cyst / surgery*
Trachea / injuries*