Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment outcomes of vallecular cysts in adults

Abstract

Conclusion: It is suggested that transoral complete excision is the ideal treatment for adult vallecular cyst to avoid life-threatening acute airway obstruction and disease recurrence. Objective: The objective of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment outcomes of vallecular cysts in adults. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital from January 2009 to December 2014. Results: Nine patients (≥ 19-years-of-age) with a vallecular cyst were identified. Most of the patients had minimal or no symptoms at diagnosis. The presence of a vallecular cyst was confirmed in all of the patients by fiberoptic laryngoscopy. All of the cases with a vallecular cyst were treated by the transoral surgical procedure. Recurrence of the vallecular cyst was identified in two (22.2%) patients. One patient had been disease-free after the third operation through the transoral approach. Another patient who underwent marsupialization has been observed without surgery. There were no major complications resulting from surgical intervention.

Keywords:

• Vallecular
• cyst
• adult
• transoral
• excision

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.