Vallecular Cyst in Neonates: Case Series—A Clinicosurgical Insight

Abstract

The objective of the case series is to understand the clinical and surgical aspects of new minimally invasive technique of coblation in cases of vallecular cysts in neonates. Method of Study. Four neonates underwent surgery for vallecular cyst by using Arthrocare ENT coblator system. Results Obtained. All the four cases presented in stridor and difficult intubation was also a concern which necessitated a swift, high precision instrument with almost immediate results. Coblation excision includes direct contact with vallecular cyst, improved targeting of the cyst, and preservation of normal tissue. All the four cases had an uneventful postoperative period and smooth recovery and had an early discharge from the hospital. Conclusions. Early diagnosis and intervention hold the key for an early recovery and for minimizing nutritional disturbances secondary to poor feeding in cases of neonatal vallecular cysts.

Congenital Vallecular Cyst Causing Airway Compromise in a 2-Month-Old Girl

“…In one case report, there was total absence of any functioning thyroid tissue which was detected by the thyroid scan [ 11 ]. Thyroid screening and thyroid scan are advisable for all patients with vallecular cysts to rule out the lingual thyroid.…”

“…Other differential diagnosis included cystic hygroma, lymphangioma, haemangioma, teratoma, hamartoma, dermoid cyst, thyroid remnant cyst, and thyroglossal duct cyst [ 11 – 13 ].…”

“…Marsupialization of the cyst is the preferred treatment [ 18 ]. Different modalities have been used for this purpose; these include electro cautery, CO 2 laser, coblation, tonsillar snare, microdebrider, or microlaryngoscopic instruments [ 2 , 11 , 18 , 19 ]. Compared to complete excision, the recurrence rate after marsupialization has been reported as negligible [ 18 ].…”

Tongue Cyst in a Neonate: Unusual Presentation

“…Flexible laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy are considered the diagnostic tools for vallecular cysts. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the valleculae, as they can be easily missed and lead to misdiagnosis [8].…”

Clinical efficacy of low-temperature radiofrequency ablation of pharyngolaryngeal cyst in 84 Chinese infants

“…The conclusion was supported by two other studies on epiglottic cysts. [ 6 , 25 ] In one study, the intraoperative blood loss is less than 2 ml, and all patients recover without any complications after using coblation of epiglottic cyst. The other study claims that coblation excision includes direct contact with vallecular cyst, improved targeting of the cyst, and preservation of normal tissue.…”