Lateral neck cyst surgery without ipsilateral tonsillectomy: a retrospective analysis

Several theories have been proposed regarding the origin of lateral neck cysts (LNC). Besides complete surgical resection ipsilateral tonsillectomy and dissection of a tract or its remnants is sometimes recommended. In this retrospective trial we wanted to evaluate if patients, who received LNC resection only, develop complications or recurrence to justify this surgical strategy.

Patients who received LNC resection between 2004 and 2017 at the Ear Nose and Throat Department of a university hospital were included. Data was collected from the clinic database and through a structured telephone interview.

A total of 126 patients met the inclusion criteria. In this collective, the diagnosis of a lateral neck cyst was confirmed histologically. Mean age at time of operation was 38 years (± 14.6). The median follow-up time was 7 years (range 3-18). None of the participants experienced recurrent unilateral pharyngitis or tonsillitis during follow-up. Furthermore, there was no case of postoperative peritonsillar, neck phlegmon or neck abscess. No patient reported recurrence of LNC.

Sole complete resection of LNCs is sufficient to avoid postoperative infections and recurrences. Therefore, ipsilateral tonsillectomy and tract dissection is not necessary in routine cases of LNC surgery.