A century ago, W.E. Sistrunk described a surgical technique still relevant today

Abstract

Research and knowledge in human embryology greatly progressed during the second half of the 19th century. This allowed optimization of surgical treatment of branchial deformities and cervical cysts in the light of their embryological development. In 1920, Walter Ellis Sistrunk described an embryologically-based technique for resection of thyroglossal duct fistulae and cysts. A century later, the procedure is still being performed as originally described.

Keywords: Cervical cyst; Embryology; Sistrunk; Thyroglossal duct cyst.