Excision of Thyroglossal Duct
Cost: $4,562 USD
Hospitalization duration: 2 days
¿En qué consiste la Escisión de Conducto Tirogloso?
Thyroglossal duct excision is a surgery performed to remove a cyst or remnant of the thyroglossal duct, an embryologic structure that connects the thyroid gland to the base of the tongue during fetal development. In some cases, remnants of the thyroglossal duct may persist and form cysts in the anterior neck. These cysts may become infected, cause discomfort, or even develop into nodules that require surgical treatment.
During surgery, a small incision is made in the neck to access the thyroglossal duct and remove the cyst or any abnormal tissue. This procedure allows the cyst to be removed and prevents future infections or complications.
Includes
- Medical Team
The surgery is performed by a team specializing in head and neck surgery, ensuring that the procedure is precise and safe.
- Laboratory
This includes complete pre-surgical studies to assess the patient’s general health and ensure that they are in optimal condition for the intervention.
- Office
Chest imaging examination using a telescopic chest X-ray, which helps confirm the absence of respiratory problems and ensure safe surgery.
- Preoperative evaluation by Internal Medicine + EKG
Complete evaluation by an internist and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to confirm that the patient is fit to undergo surgery without risk of major complications.
- Postoperative visits
Follow-up after surgery to ensure proper recovery and healing of the incision, as well as to monitor any possible complications.
- Pathology study
The removed tissue is sent to the pathology laboratory for detailed analysis. This study allows the diagnosis to be confirmed and any additional abnormalities in the thyroglossal duct to be ruled out.
Preparing for surgery
For thyroglossal duct excision, the medical team usually tells the patient to:
- Fasting for at least 6 to 8 hours before surgery.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, especially anticoagulants, to avoid excessive bleeding during surgery.
- Careful hygiene of the neck area before surgery, following the instructions of the medical team.
Recovery
Recovery from a thyroglossal duct excision is usually rapid, although the area may be tender for a few days. It is recommended to:
- Avoid physical exertion or sudden movements of the neck in the first few weeks to ensure proper healing.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry, following the instructions of the medical team.
- Take painkillers as directed to control any postoperative discomfort or pain.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a week, although they must continue to care for the scar on their neck.
Risks and Complications
Thyroglossal duct excision is generally safe, but there are some potential risks and complications, including:
- Infection at the incision site, which may require antibiotic treatment.
- Bleeding in the surgical area, although this is rare.
- Visible scar formation on the neck, especially in people who are predisposed to developing keloids or hypertrophic scars.
The medical team provides detailed instructions to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The surgery is performed under anesthesia, so the patient should not experience pain during the procedure. There may be some discomfort in the incision area afterwards, which is controlled with painkillers.
The wound usually heals in 1 to 2 weeks, although the final scar may take longer to settle and improve in appearance.
Surgery aims to completely remove the cyst and associated tissue. Although the risk of recurrence is low, it can occur in rare cases if tissue remains.