Removal of pediatric branchial cleft cyst using a retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) approach.
OBJECTIVE
Branchial cleft cyst (BCC) is treated surgically using a transcervical approach, leaving potential cervical scars. This prospective study assessed the outcomes of retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) approach for BCC excision in children.


METHODS
Twelve patients with second BCC (age < 18 years) underwent cyst excision via the RAHI approach, with incision along the postauricular sulcus and hairline. The operation time, complications, and subjective satisfaction with incision scars were assessed.


RESULTS
Mean operation time was 45 +/- 12 min. There were no significant complications, except for temporary hypoesthesia of the earlobe. Hypertrophic scars at incision sites occurred in two patients, but these scars are usually hidden by the natural hair and auricle. Mean subjective satisfaction score regarding incision scars was 8.7 +/- 0.9 out of 10.


CONCLUSIONS
The RAHI approach may provide good aesthetic results without significant surgical morbidities. This may be an alternative option for the surgical excision of BCC for children and their parents who desire invisible external scars after surgery.
Roh
Jong-Lyel
JL
Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 388-1 Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea. rohjl@amc.seoul.kr
Yoon
Yeo-Hoon
YH
D000293:Adolescent; D001935:Branchioma / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome