[Malformations of the first branchial cleft and facial nerve]

First branchial cleft anomalies are a rare but interesting group of congenital anomalies of the neck. They produce a great variety of clinical manifestations and have a close relationship with the facial nerve and the auditory canal. Surgery is the only effective treatment of these anomalies and complete surgical removal must be achieved to avoid recurrence. Our experience with 1 11 cases operated on in the last 9 years in our clinic is presented in this paper. The relationship of the facial nerve with the congenital anomaly is emphasized.