First branchial cleft fistula: A case report

Summary 

First branchial cleft anomalies are a rare group of congenital malformations, accounting for about 5% of branchial cleft defects. The diagnosis may not be clear since their presentation is similar to other clinical conditions such as lymphadenitis, dermoid cyst, cystic hygroma, lymphangioma, primary parotid tumor, etc. Surgical excision requires a wide exposure so as not to damage the facial nerve. We report a case of a 2-year-old boy with a first branchial cleft fistula, in which a seropurulent discharge was observed through the cleft and along the ear canal.

Keywords: Branchial cleft fistula, Parotidectomy, Facial nerve