Abstract
Objective: To evaluate and follow the patients who underwent thyroglossal cyst and ducts excision (Sistrunks operation) regarding the recurrence and complications at our institution.
Methodology: During the period between May 2010 and May 2013, 88 patients underwent thyroglossal cyst excision. These were assessed preoperatively clinically and by sonographic imaging and thyroid nuclear scanning in the out patient department. Post operative care, follow up and histopathological review after discharge was done up to 3 years for some patients.
Results: 88 patients were included in this study; 49 were female and 39 males with female-male ratio 1.25:1. Mean age was 4.5 years (range 1.5-9). All of them underwent Sistrunks operation with the excision of the midportion of the hyoid bone. Mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 1-5 days). Three patients (3.4%) developed hematoma and swelling at site of the operation and were managed conservatively. Another 5 patients (5.6%) developed wound infection at the site of surgery and were managed by antibiotics and drainage of the abscess, 6 patients (6.8%) had recurrence of the cyst about 6 months after the surgery.
Conclusion: Thyroglossal cyst surgery is common in pediatric surgical practice. Recurrence rates, infection rates and other complications in our hospital were within the global range and our results were acceptable.

Key words: Thyroglossal cyst, Sistrunks Operation.