Management of third branchial pouch anomalies – An evolution of a minimally invasive technique

Surgery versus endoscopic cauterization in patients with third or fourth branchial pouch sinuses: A systematic review

“…Treatment with silver nitrate showed a success rate of 100% after the first treatment . Electrocauterization showed a success rate ranging from 66.7% to 100%, and a cumulative success rate of 77.8% to 100% . The success rate after primary surgical treatment ranged from 50% to 100%.…”

“…One patient developed mild hoarseness after EC, with a duration of 2 weeks. The other patient developed a temporary vocal fold paralysis after receiving surgery with simultaneous EC of the sinus tract opening (duration of the paralysis was not described) …”

“…EC also leads to obliteration of the fistula opening, although the obliterated segment may be shorter . Chemocauterization with TCA or silver nitrate does have a risk of leakage into the esophagus, potentially resulting in strictures . Cauterization using an endoscopic laser has been described; however, little research has been published about this method…”

“…12 Electrocauterization showed a success rate ranging from 66.7% to 100%, and a cumulative success rate of 77.8% to 100%. [13][14][15][16] The success rate after pri-mary surgical treatment ranged from 50% to 100%. In two studies, a second surgical treatment was performed after failure of the previous treatment with a cumulative success rate of 100% in both articles.…”

Branchial cleft and pouch anomalies in childhood: a report of 50 surgical cases

“…Recently, endoscopic diathermy treatment is spreading among the surgical options [45]. Wong et al [46] described the introduction of endoscopic diathermy management as revolutionary as it is simple, safe and effective and reduces morbidity without increasing recurrence; further, if neck abscess is present, percutaneous aspiration can be performed at the same sitting. Even Nicoucar et al [10] suggested that can be preferable to use endoscopic cauterization treatment in pediatric patients to reduce complications since the recurrence rates were similar with both endoscopic and open procedure.…”