One Case of Complete Type II First Branchial Cleft Fistula / 대한이비인후과학회지

We present an unusual case of a complete type II first branchial cleft fistula that communicates between the external auditory canal and the skin near the angle of the mandible. The incomplete branchial fistula is not an uncommon congenital anomaly of branchial apparatus but a complete one is rare. It was successfully treated with complete surgical excision without facial nerve injury. It was diagnosed as the type II first branchial cleft anomaly by histological finding. We discuss the classification of first branchial cleft anomalies, with emphasis on the complete type fistula and the facial nerve.