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.

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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.

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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

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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/