Transposition of lingual thyroid gland to the submandibular region by transoral approach.

The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate surgical technique of only functional but symptomatic lingual thyroid gland transposition to submandibular region by transoral approach without mandibulotomy and tongue-splitting. A 37-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with dysphagia and apnea symptoms. Physical examination revealed 3cm×3cm lingual thyroid gland was detected at the tongue base. The patient was euthyroid and thyroid gland was not detected in the neck. Under general anesthesia, right submandibular gland excision and transposition of lingual thyroid tissue to submandibular region with dorsal lingual artery axis flap were performed by transoral approach. Thyroid hormones remained normal in the postoperative period. In conclusion transoral transposition of lingual thyroid to submandibular region as a flap without mandibulotomy is a minimally invasive and function preserving alternative approach. Besides preserving thyroid functions, this transoral surgical technique can be preferred by patients who avoid skin incision for esthetic concerns.