Endoscopic cauterization of fourth branchial cleft sinus tracts.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic cauterization as definitive treatment for fourth branchial cleft sinuses.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review with follow-up questionnaire.


METHODS
Tertiary care children's hospital.


METHODS
Ten children (age range, 10 months to 10 years) with fourth branchial cleft sinuses treated with endoscopic cauterization between 1995 and 2002.


METHODS
Recurrence of neck infections after endoscopic cauterization of fourth brachial cleft sinus tracts.


RESULTS
Seven of the 10 patients treated with endoscopic cauterization of the fourth branchial cleft sinuses showed no recurrence with an average follow-up of 3 years. Three of the patients were unavailable for follow-up, but medical records of the hospital showed no additional admissions for those patients for neck masses. No morbidity of the procedure was identified. All patients were discharged the day of surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic cauterization of fourth branchial cleft sinuses appears to be an effective alternative to open excision.
Verret
D J
DJ
Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 75235, USA.
McClay
John
J
Murray
Alan
A
Biavati
Michael
M
Brown
Orval
O
D001934:Branchial Region / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001935:Branchioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome