An uncommon case of neck fistula

Congenital fistulae of the neck are branchial in origin and of these 2nd arch fistula is by far the most common, 3rd and 4th arch fistulae being very rare. Here, a case of fistula present since birth and extending from the neck, near the midline to the alveololingual sulcus, considered very rare, is presented. The patient was a 32-year-old male having sticky discharge through an opening in the upper part of the neck. Examination revealed an opening of approximately 1 mm diameter about 1 cm to the left of the midline just above the hyoid bone. A sinogram revealed a fistulous linear tract communicating with the oral cavity. Surgery was undertaken and the fistulous tract was excised.