Abstract:Objective To explore the clinical thinking to differentiate vallecular region cysts, summarize the methods and prognosis of minimally invasive surgery for these cysts, so as to enrich the experience in the diagnosis and treatment of such lesions. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 41 patients with cysts in the vallecular region admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023, there were 22 males and 19 females. Their ages ranged from 3 to 80 years old, with an average age of (48.6±18.5) years. Including general information, symptoms, diagnostic methods, anesthesia methods, surgical techniques, pathological results, and prognosis. Results Among the 41 patients, 28 cases were diagnosed as epiglottic cyst, 5 cases as cyst at the base of tongue, and 8 cases as lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (LTGDC). All surgeries were successfully performed using a suspension laryngoscope or an FK retractor, assisted by endoscopy, and completed with coblation. The average operation time was 0.8 hours. Postoperative hospitalization averaged 2.1 days, without postoperative complications such as bleeding or breathing difficulties. The average follow-up period was 2.6 years, and no recurrence was observed. Conclusion With optimal surgical visualization and operating space provided by the FK retractor and the endoscopic system, transoral coblation-assisted resection of cysts in the vallecular region is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgical method.