title: Retroauricular hairline approach for excision of second branchial cleft cysts: a preliminary experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report our preliminary experience with a retroauricular hairline incision (RAHI) for excision of second branchial cleft cysts (SBCC) and to present a relevant literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was conducted of two consecutive patients diagnosed with SBCC who underwent surgical removal via a RAHI. Relevant demographic, clinicopathological, and radiological data was recorded. A web-based search was conducted to identify relevant scientific literature on "retroauricular hairline incision /approach" in order to present a systematic review of current literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both cases, the SBCC (6.0 cm and 3.8 cm) could be safely excised without major complications. One patient developed a temporary hypoesthesia of ear lobe. None of the patients had a postoperative infection, hematoma, spillage of cyst fluid, or necrosis of the skin flap. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the procedure (100%). The incisions healed well without any evidence of hair loss or keloid formation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, the RAHI offers an excellent surgical outcome and cosmetic result with no proven increased risks to the patients who require surgical excision of a benign SBCC.
authors.affiliation: Deparment of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA. bleber@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: LeBert
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Rohan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Walvekar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001935:Branchioma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery*