REMOVAL OF CERVICAL CYSTS AND FISTULAS

Cervical cysts and fistulas are the result of persistent embryonic remains of the neck which were supposed to develop and become different structures at the time, such as bones, ganglia, glands, etc., but did not. In their evolution, they give rise to repetitive infections and can grow and compress neighboring structures, thus needing treatment through surgery. Malignancy is rare but possible.

They can be of three types: central, also referred to as midline or thyroglossal, lateral or branchial, and auricular.

This type of procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made into the skin of the neck where the cyst or fistula is found. Once found, it is removed in its entirety, sometimes requiring the elimination of neighboring structures.

These cysts may be linked to neck vessels and nerves. After the intervention, especially in thyroglossal (midline) cases, it is common for the patient to experience discomfort when swallowing in the first days that follow. The patient may have to carry one or more drainage tubes in the neck for a few days.

In some cases, after repeated infections, and previously drained, or when there are several fistulous ducts, such cysts become difficult to remove and may sometimes reproduce.