Surgical Technique (Therapy Cyst and Fistula of the Neck)

An excision of these congenital malformations is demanding, and specific principles of surgery have to be considered to completely remove the abnormal structures; residuals of these structures are the main cause of recurrences. tuha_25a_n.jpg: In case of thyroglossal duct cyst, the middle of the hyoid and the midline cord of connective tissue must be removed up to the base of the tongue. tuha_25b_n.jpg: In case of lateral cyst and fistula, depending on the case, at least two transverse incisions are necessary. tuha_25c_n.jpg: On the left side in the picture the course of a complete fistula is visible, running from a different level at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the tonsil. On the right side in the picture possible sites and courses of lateral cysts with a cranial fistula are depicted; $$tuha_4??££see alternate figure§§ .