Endoscopic combined transcervical-transoral second branchial fistulectomy: A novel technique with prospective case...

To describe and assess a novel technique of complete endoscopic combined transcervical-transoral fistulectomy (ECCOF) in the management of pediatric complete second branchial cleft (BC) fistula tracts (SBCFTs).

A prospective single-center consecutive case series of SBCFTs was designed. Course and angles of inclination of the tract towards the pharyngeal wall were assessed using CT fistulography. Complete endoscopic fistulectomy was performed using three levels of dissection via ECCOF. Technique, advantages, complications and recurrences were assessed.

Five children with a mean age of 4.1 ± 0.96 years and seven SBCFTs were included. Four were left-sided fistulae (57.2%), while three were right-sided fistulae (42.8%). The average angle of deep inclination of the fistula tracts between the first and second parts of the fistula tracts (at the carotid bifurcation) was 143.57 ± 10.92°. Complete visualization with safe dissection in all three levels of ECCOF was obtained for all fistulae. No recurrence or complications were observed with an average follow-up of 35.85 ± 22.13 months.

Endoscopic management of SBCFTs appears to be effective and safe. It avoids the prerequisite for wide or double incisions and enables an excellent view of the surrounding structures, which leads to fewer complications and recurrences.