[Congenital cysts and branchial fistula of the head and neck: a 148 cases report]

ABSTRACT

We report our experience of 148 cases of congenital cystic anomalies of the head and neck, operated in a twenty-year period. The goal of this study is to evaluate the frequency of the different anomalies and our diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This retrospective study has analyzed 148 cases of children who had surgery for a congenital cyst or fistula of the head or the neck. Thyroglossal duct cyst was the most frequent anomaly [52.7%]. The diagnosis was mostly clinical without need to further explorations. Surgical repair was well codified and consisted in an excision of 78 thyroglossal cysts, 41 dermoid cysts and 29 branchial fistulas. Six cases of thyroglossal cysts needed redo surgery. Six other patients had non specific complications