title: Endoscope-assisted versus conventional second branchial cleft cyst resection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluates the feasibility of endoscope-assisted second branchial cleft cyst resection via retroauricular approach by comparing it with conventional cervical incision for removal of second branchial cleft cyst.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2009 to December 2010, 25 patients were randomly assigned to the endoscope-assisted surgery group (13 patients) or the conventional surgery group (12 patients). The clinical characteristics of patients, operation time, operative bleeding volume, postoperative complications, and subjective satisfaction with incision scar checked by visual analog scale were compared between the groups, retrospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 13 second branchial cleft cyst resections were successfully performed endoscopically, and the wounds healed uneventfully. Endoscope-assisted surgery lasted 54.6 ± 6.3 min, and conventional surgery lasted 49.6 ± 6.9 min (P = 0.069). Degree of bleeding volume did not differ between the groups (P = 0.624). Mean patient satisfaction score was 9.2 ± 0.6 in the endoscope-assisted surgery group and 6.2 ± 0.8 in the controls (P < 0.001). All 13 patients in the endoscope-assisted surgery group were satisfied with their cosmetic results. One case showed temporary numbness around the earlobe that recovered within 1 month after surgery. No marginal nerve palsy occurred. No complications such as bleeding, salivary fistula, or paresis of the marginal mandibular branch occurred. All 25 patients were disease free with follow-up of 6-24 months (median 16 months).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscope-assisted second branchial cleft cyst resection via retroauricular approach is a feasible technique. This procedure may serve as an alternative approach that allows an invisible incision and better cosmetic results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Liang-si
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Pei-na
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Si-yi
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Mi-mi
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Xiao-ning
authors.initials: XN
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Jian-dong
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Zhan
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001935:Branchioma / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult