Tracheal injury complicating Sistrunk's thyroglossal cyst surgery

IntroductionAirway injury is a very rare complication of thyroglossal duct cyst surgery in children. The wound is most frequently located at the larynx, due to a confusion between the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage.ObservationThis is the first report of a tracheal injury complicating Sistrunk's procedure in a 3 year old child, revealed by respiratory distress. Conservative treatment was suggested, requiring a tracheostomy lasting 49 days, leading to decanulation and complete anatomical and functional recovery.ConclusionThis report highlights the specificity of pediatric laryngotracheal anatomy.