What is a second branchial cleft fistula?

Second branchial cleft fistulae are congenital anomalies of embryonic development of branchial apparatus with the external cutaneous ostium in the lateral neck connecting to the tonsillar fossa.

What is a branchial fistula?

Branchial fistulas occur when one opening forms specifically between the skin and throat lining (pharynx), draining mucus out of the neck. Branchial cleft cysts occur when there is no external opening and liquid cannot drain out of the neck.

What is 2nd branchial cleft cyst?

Second branchial cleft cysts occur in the upper lateral neck. The external sinus tract opening will be in the upper lateral neck between the hyoid and thyroid cartilages, just anterior to a large neck muscle known as the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle.

What is the most common site of pharyngeal fistula?

In the normal course a persistent fistula of the second branchial cleft and pouch passes from the external opening in the mid or lower third of neck in the line of the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, deep to platysma along the carotid sheath.

How long does branchial cleft surgery take?

Surgery typically takes 1.5 hours. After surgery you will be monitored in the recovery area and then go home. For a branchial cleft cyst, an incision is made in the neck in a neck crease. The exact location and size of the incision varies based on the size and position of the cyst.

What does a branchial cyst feel like?

A branchial cyst commonly presents as a solitary, painless mass in the neck of a child or a young adult. A history of intermittent swelling and tenderness of the lesion during upper respiratory tract infection may exist. Discharge may be reported if the lesion is associated with a sinus tract.

Do branchial cysts have to be removed?

Although not truly a sign of infection, excessive drainage can be bothersome, prompting surgical intervention. Treatment requires complete surgical removal of the cyst and possibly the sinus tract. The exact procedure performed depends upon the anatomical location and type of the branchial cleft abnormality.

Is a branchial cyst rare?

Third and fourth branchial cleft cysts are rare, usually consisting of 2% of all branchial arch abnormalities, located below the second branchial arch.

Is branchial cyst surgery painful?

After any surgery, some pain is normal, but if it does not decrease or worsens, it may be abnormal and indicate infection or bleeding. Bleeding and infection are possible, as with any surgery. There is not a high incidence of either of these complications with this type of surgery.

Do branchial cysts need to be removed?

What is the meaning of the second branchial fistula?

Second branchial cleft fistulae are congenital anomalies of embryonic development of branchial apparatus with the external cutaneous ostium in the lateral neck connecting to the tonsillar fossa.

Where can I get a complete branchial cleft fistula?

I J Keogh 1 , S G Khoo, K Waheed, C Timon Affiliation 1Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (HNS), Adelaid Road, Dublin 2, Ireland. [email protected]

How is first branchial cleft anomaly type II treated?

Treatment is by surgical exci- sion of the cyst or fistula and of involved skin and cartilage of the external auditory canal. Current Surg. First branchial cleft anomaly Type II This typically presents as a cyst / sinus / fistula, or combinations thereof.

Where is the second branchial cleft sinus located?

Second branchial cleft sinus or fistulas, on the other hand, present earlier. Fistulas extend from the skin surface anterior to the middle of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, pass between the internal and external carotid arteries and eventually drain into the tonsillar fossa.