Ep. 184 Thyroglossal Duct Cysts in Children: a Comprehensive Approach with Dr. Christopher Liu

What is the best way to manage an infected thyroglossal duct cyst? In this episode, hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan welcome Dr. Christopher Liu, associate professor of pediatric otolaryngology at UT Southwestern, to learn about his vast experience with evaluation and management of thyroglossal duct cysts and the nuances of other congenital neck masses. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Medtronic ENT https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/specialties/ear-nose-throat.html --- SYNPOSIS First, Dr. Liu describes how thyroglossal duct cysts present. Patients often become aware of their cyst when a parent palpates a midline neck mass or when the cyst gets infected. Then, Dr. Liu describes non-operative management of thyroglossal duct cysts, including antibiotics to treat infection and cases in which drainage is appropriate. The conversation proceeds to surgical strategy, with Dr. Liu describing how his approach to cyst excision evolved over the years. The episode concludes with pearls on post-operative management and potential surgical complications. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:53 - Understanding Thyroglossal Duct Cysts 11:48 - Managing Infected Thyroglossal Duct Cysts 14:02 - Antibiotic Choices & Drainage Techniques 21:05 - Imaging & Workup 25:39 - Surgical Approach and Techniques 27:29 - Koempel’s Technique for Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Surgery 39:04 - Surgical Complications, Risk of Recurrence, & Post-Operative Care 52:37 - Key Takeaways for Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Surgery --- RESOURCES Dr. Christopher Liu’s UT Southwestern Profile: https://utswmed.org/doctors/christopher-liu/ Jeffrey Koempel, “Thyroglossal Duct Remnant Surgery: A Reliable, Reproducible Approach to the Suprahyoid Region”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25193588/