Transposition of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular space using a modified technique.

Objective: We report a modified surgical technique for transplanting an ectopic, lingual thyroid to the submandibular space, in order to maintain thyroid function while relieving obstructive symptoms.

Methods: A 52-year-old woman complained of progressive dysphagia and dyspnoea. Ectopic lingual thyroid tissue was diagnosed. The ectopic thyroid gland was transplanted into the submandibular region via a lateral pharyngeal approach. A random muscle pedicle was prepared to provide a vascular supply to the transposed gland.

Results: Twelve-month follow up confirmed the survival of the transplanted thyroid gland, with preserved thyroid function.

Conclusions: Surgical transplantation of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular region offers an alternative treatment method for this anomaly, which avoids the need for resection and lifelong thyroxine replacement.