Lateral cervical cysts and fistulas

Second branchial cleft fistula: Is fistulogram necessary for complete excision

“…Fistulas and sinus are more common on the right side [1] as being the case in 70% of unilateral cases in the present series. There are a few reports on heredity factor and these indicate that these may be inherited from the mother [1] as was also observed in one of our case.…”

“…The lesion may be unilateral or bilateral; complete or incomplete. While the tract in the branchial sinus merges imperatively in the neighboring soft tissue, it is complete in patients with branchial fistula where the internal opening is usually located in the tonsillar region [1]. Traditionally, a preoperative fistulogram by injecting a water-soluble iodinated contrast medium is obtained to delineate the tract [2,3].…”

Complete fistula of the second branchial cleft: case report of catheter-aided total excision

“…A number of different management options for branchial fistulas have been reported. Sclerosing solutions were used in the past; however, these are seldom used today due to the associated inflammatory reaction and the risk of necrosis with perforation into the pharynx [1,4]. A wide hockey-stick incision has been suggested for excision, as this provides adequate exposure of the neck structures for precise dissection [2].…”

“…Developmental anomalies of the branchial apparatus include cysts, sinuses and fistulas, and the second branchial cleft is the structure most often affected [1]. Branchial anomalies may be diagnosed at any age; however, most are detected in the first and second decades of life.…”

Branchial cleft fistulae

“…In 1964, the term 'Branchial Fistuale was applied for the first time (Simpson, 1969). The terms branchial or lateral cervical are used with these disorders to imply the embryologic origin and usual location of these lesions.…”