A Clinical Study of Second Branchial Cleft Anomalies: Our Experience in a Teaching Hospital in Northern India

Background: Branchial cleft anomalies are of five types. Among these, second branchial cleft anomalies are the most common developmental disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical data in various subsets among the patients who had been diagnosed and treated for second branchial anomalies in the past 2 years. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study conducted from January 2018 to January 2020 in our institute. We collected the clinical data from patient's medical records, radiological reports, surgical files, and histopathological reports. Results: A total of 22 patients presented with second branchial cleft anomalies. Among these, 18 (81.8%) were branchial cysts and 4 (18.2%) were branchial sinuses. There was no branchial fistula. The highest number of cases belonged to the second decade (72.7%). The mean age was found to be 16.8 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.75:1. The rural-to-urban ratio was 3.4:1. There was no proclivity to any one side of the neck. All 22 patients underwent surgical excision as the treatment. There was no recurrence. Conclusion: We concluded that branchial cysts are the main type among second branchial cleft anomalies. Most patients belonged to the second decade of life. Early detection and reaching correct diagnosis are the major factors influencing treatment outcome. Preferably, surgical excision has to be performed in noninfected neck. Meticulous dissection helps in avoiding recurrence. Genetic disorders such as branchio-oto-renal syndrome have to be kept in mind in the evaluation of any branchial cleft anomalies.