[The diagnosis and treatment for pyriform sinus fistula in children]

Objective: To discuss the diagnosis and management for pyriform sinus fistula in children. Methods: Eight cases of pyriform sinus fistula admitted in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from May 2013 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The median age at onset was 54 months (range from 11 months to 12 years). All 8 cases presented recurrent neck infection (typical of redness, swelling, heat and pain) and 2 accompanied with acute suppurative thyroiditis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the preoperative barium esophagography combined with neck computed tomography scan (plain scan, enhancement and reconstruction). All the patients underwent laryngeal endoscopic-assisted surgery. Results: Preoperative imaging findings identified seven left-side cases and one bilateral (the symptom only manifested on left side). All 8 cases underwent left fistulectomy. There was no esophageal injury nor nerve injury during the operation. Postoperatively, all cases recovered well without complications (such as sound hoarse and coughing) and reoccurrence within the follow-up period (range from 7 months to 34 months). Conclusions: Preoperative barium esophagogram combined with neck computed tomography scan facilitates proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Laryngeal endoscopic-assisted technique at operation provides a better understanding of the anatomic relationship and the points where the fistulas penetrated into the pharynx, and essentially improves the operation outcome.