We reviewed the records of 33 patients who underwent surgery for removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst at the Bordet Institute between 1970 and 1983. All patients had complete resection of a midline cervical lesion. In 27 cases the provisional diagnosis at presentation was confirmed by histological examination after surgery. The surgical procedure performed at the Bordet Institute and its results are analysed. We emphasize the need of resecting the central portion of the hyoid bone as well as the proximal tract of the thyroglossal duct. Twenty-six patients have been cured using this technique.