[Diagnosis and treatment of thyroglossal cysts and fistulae (Sistrunck or Schlange?): reflections on 40 cases].
40 cases of cysts and fistulas of the thyroglossal tract duct offer to the authors occasion to review the rare problems of diagnosis raised by this pediatric pathology. They compare the results of surgery obtained by the classic technic of Sistrunck (1920) versus the Schlange's operation (1893) which remove the cyst with the hyoid bone's body only. The average of age is 17 years. A location of a thyroglossal cyst in the submandibular area was noted during operation. Sistrunck's operation was performed in 21 cases (52.5%) and the Schlange's one in 14 cases (35%) without recurrence. 4 cases (10%) recurrences were noted, all after simple cystectomy. Removal of the hyoid bone's body appear to us as the key of success in the surgery of thyroglossal anomalies.