Nonsyndromic Complete Second Branchial Cleft Fistulas: A Clinicosurgical Experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Malformations
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Branchial cleft anomalies are congenital malformations of the branchial apparatus.
• They present as cysts, sinuses, or fistulae, accounting for 20% of pediatric head and neck masses.
• Bilateral cases are notably infrequent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of complete bilateral second branchial cleft fistulae in an 11-year-old boy.
• To highlight the diagnostic and surgical management of this condition.
• To emphasize the importance of complete surgical excision for favorable outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, was used to confirm bilateral fistulous tracts.
• Surgical management involved a combined transoral and transcervical approach.
• Procedures included bilateral tonsillectomy and complete excision of the fistulous tracts.

Main Results:

• The surgical management successfully removed the bilateral branchial cleft anomalies.
• No postoperative complications were observed.
• The patient achieved successful removal of the anomalies.

Conclusions:

• Complete surgical excision is an effective treatment for bilateral branchial cleft anomalies.
• Thorough diagnostic evaluation is crucial for managing these rare conditions.
• Further research may optimize surgical techniques and postoperative results for branchial cleft anomalies.