Removal of second branchial cleft cysts using a retroauricular approach

Abstract

Second branchial cleft cysts (also called cervical lymphoepithelial cysts) usually present in adulthood, and cosmesis of surgical access is an important issue. This study was performed to assess the feasibility and outcome of a retroauricular approach for removing second branchial cleft cysts. Eight patients underwent removal of second branchial cleft cysts using a retroauricular approach. All 8 second branchial cleft cysts were removed successfully, and the wounds healed uneventfully. None of the patients suffered from weakness of the great auricular nerve. Marginal nerve palsy did not occur postsurgery. Average follow-up period was 14.5 months (range, 6-20 months) with no tumor recurrence. The incision scars were invisible. Second branchial cleft cyst resection using a retroauricular approach is a feasible method that provides an acceptable cosmetic outcome.