title: A new fistulectomy method for the second pharyngeal arch remnants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present a new fistulectomy method for the second pharyngeal arch remnants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1991 and 2003, 4 patients have been treated with a new fistulectomy method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Under general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation, the neck and mouth are prepared as one operative field. A nylon thread is inserted into the cervical opening. On the oral site of the nylon thread, a small gauze ball is tied and gently pulled from the neck site. At both opening sites of the fistula, a very small incision around the nylon thread is performed. Using the nylon thread as a guide, a fistulectomy is carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all 4 patients, no complications have occurred during and after the fistulectomy. No recurrences were seen during 15 months to 9 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is a simple and useful procedure for the treatment of second pharyngeal arch remnants. It produces an excellent cosmetic result compared with the standard method because only one small incision is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, National Kagawa Children's Hospital, Kagawa 765-8501, Japan. oshio@kagawasyoni.hosp.go.jp
authors.forename: Takehito
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oshio
authors.forename: Hirotaka
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakamizo
authors.forename: Kozo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshikawa
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takano
mesh_terms: D001934:Branchial Region / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome