The procedure is most often done to prevent infection of the cyst. It may need to be done if the cyst is already infected. It may also be done if the cyst is large and causing symptoms. These can include problems breathing or swallowing.

The procedure is done in a hospital or surgery center. It’s an outpatient procedure. This means you go home the same day. The time it takes to do the surgery can vary. During the procedure:

• You lie on your back.

• You are given anesthesia to make you fall asleep and keep you from feeling pain.

• The surgeon makes a cut (incision) in your neck to reach the cyst.

• The surgeon removes the cyst. He or she also removes any remaining parts of the thyroglossal duct. If present, any sinus tracts are taken out. These are the abnormal pathways that connect the cyst to the surface of the skin. The surgeon may also remove abnormal thyroid tissue and part of the hyoid bone. This small bone is located in your neck near the thyroid.

• When the surgery is done, the incision is closed with stitches (sutures) or special surgical glue that holds the skin together.

• Failure to remove the entire cyst. This may mean you need more surgery

• General risks of surgery, including bleeding and infection

• Risks of anesthesia