Intraoperative fistulograms in the management of branchial apparatus abnormalities in children.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the role and efficacy of intraoperative fistulograms in visualizing branchial apparatus (fistula/sinus) abnormalities in the pediatric age group (3 months-12 years).


METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of 20 pediatric patients who underwent fistula and/or sinus excision during a period of 18 years (1988-2006).


RESULTS
The male:female ratio was 11:9. Eighteen of the 20 patients presented with unilateral abnormalities, 2 with bilateral abnormalities. An intraoperative fistulogram was utilized in every instance. The fistulogram clearly differentiated the sinus tracts from complete fistulas in all cases. It was also highly useful in delineating the exact length and course of the sinus/fistula tracts.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraoperative fistulograms are easy to do in the operating room on the day of the scheduled surgery. They are a very useful tool in the management of branchial apparatus abnormalities.
Department of Otolaryngology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, 1514 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, LA 70121, United States. lguarisco@ochsner.org
J Lindhe
JL
Guarisco
Adil
A
Fatakia
D001934:Branchial Region / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007472:Iohexol; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol