Branchial cleft cyst - 2nd

Considerations

• • Most common branchial cleft cyst

  • Presents as a mass just anterior and medial to the SCM in the neck

  • Tract

    • Anterior neck --> 

    • Along carotid sheath --> 

    • Between external and internal carotid arteries --> 

    • Superficial to CN IX and XII --> 

    • Opens into tonsillar fossa

  • 1991: Removal of second branchial cleft cysts using a retroauricular approach [Review] 

• 2009: Removal of second branchial cleft cysts using a retroauricular approach

• 2012: Endoscope-assisted versus conventional second branchial cleft cyst resection

Preparation

Procedure

Post-op

High-Yield

Links

• Radiopaedia - Second branchial cleft cyst

• eMedicine - Branchial Cleft Cyst

• Open Access Atlas - Resecting Branchial anomalies