Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-hgkh8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-17T14:09:53.368Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Third and fourth branchial pouch anomalies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

P. A. Rea
Affiliation:
Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, Gray’s Inn Road, London, UK.
B. E. J. Hartley
Affiliation:
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
C. M. Bailey
Affiliation:
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.

Abstract

Congenital sinuses arising from the pyriform fossae are rare. They may present as neck cysts, recurrent neck abscesses, thyroiditis or neonatal stridor. Children typically undergo multiple surgical procedures before the diagnosis is made.

We present our recent experience of five third-pouch sinuses and four fourth-pouch sinuses, including one bilateral case. The median age at presentation was four years. The mean number of operations prior to diagnosis was six (range 0-13), with a mean delay to diagnosis of six years. The diagnosis was made by barium swallow, by ultrasound, at pharyngoscopy or at open surgery. The median age at definitive surgery was 10 years. Definitive treatment involved complete excision of the sinus and neck mass in seven cases. Two sinuses were treated with endoscopicdiathermy to their internal opening.

Adoption of the correct nomenclature, diagnostic tools and operative requirements for these cases will help reduce the significant morbidity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2004

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)