Our Summary

Radiofrequency coblation (RFC) is a newer tool that has been used for certain mouth surgeries. This study looked into how well RFC works for removing a specific type of cyst (lingual thyroglossal duct cyst or LTGDC) found in the tongue.

The researchers examined 12 patients who had these cysts removed with RFC between 2013 and 2020. All surgeries were completed in less than 30 minutes, and only one patient had significant blood loss. All patients were able to eat on the same day as their surgery, and they were only in the hospital for about 3.3 days on average. No major complications were noted, and in a follow-up period of almost 4.5 years, none of the cysts came back.

The results suggest that using RFC for this kind of surgery is a good choice. It allows patients to recover quickly, has low risks, and has good outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is radiofrequency coblation (RFC) and what is it used for?
  2. What were the results of the study on using RFC for lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (LTGDC) removal?
  3. What are the advantages of using RFC for LTGDC removal?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your doctor to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, keeping the surgical site clean, and avoiding certain activities or foods that may irritate the area. Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your recovery progress. If you experience any unusual symptoms or complications, contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended thyroglossal duct cyst removal are those who have symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, frequent throat infections, or difficulty breathing. Thyroglossal duct cysts can also become infected or cause pain, leading to the need for surgical removal. In the case of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts specifically, patients may experience difficulty speaking or eating, as well as discomfort in the tongue area.

Overall, patients who have symptomatic thyroglossal duct cysts that are causing issues with swallowing, breathing, speaking, or eating may be recommended for removal surgery, including the use of radiofrequency coblation as a minimally invasive and effective technique.

Timeline

Before thyroglossal duct cyst removal:

  1. Patient may notice a lump or swelling in the neck area.
  2. Patient may experience pain or discomfort in the neck.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to diagnose the cyst.
  4. Patient may consult with a surgeon to discuss the surgery and its risks and benefits.

After thyroglossal duct cyst removal:

  1. Surgery is performed using radiofrequency coblation (RFC) to remove the cyst.
  2. Surgery is completed in less than 30 minutes with minimal blood loss.
  3. Patient is able to eat on the same day as the surgery.
  4. Patient stays in the hospital for about 3.3 days on average.
  5. Patient experiences no major complications post-surgery.
  6. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor for any recurrence of the cyst.
  7. In a follow-up period of almost 4.5 years, none of the cysts came back, indicating successful removal of the thyroglossal duct cyst.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a thyroglossal duct cyst and why do I need it removed?
  2. Why are you recommending the use of radiofrequency coblation for the surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for this surgery?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the cyst removal?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical methods available for removing the cyst?
  7. How many times have you performed this type of surgery using radiofrequency coblation?
  8. What is the success rate for this type of surgery in removing thyroglossal duct cysts using RFC?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Is there anything I should do to prepare for the surgery and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Zhao X, Zhang C, Zhang J, Xiao S. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Apr;60(3):295-298. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2021.06.007. Epub 2021 Jun 21. PMID: 35153085