FUNCTIONAL NECK DISSECTION FOR TREATMENT OF RECURRENT BRANCHIAL REMNANTS

Objective: To evaluate the role of functional neck dissection for trea tment of cervical branchial remnants that are recurrent after previous surgical intervention. Design: A retrospective review was undertaken of six patients undergoing functional neck dissection for excision of recurrent branchial anomalies treated over an 18-year period. Setting: Academic tertiary referral medical center. Participants: Six patients with recurrent branchial cysts, sinuses, or fistulas. Each participan t previously had undergone between one and 14 ineffective surgical pro cedures. Intervention: Each patient was treated by functional neck dis section. Outcome Measures: Clinically noted complications and recurren ces. Results: There were no major complications. Minor complications i ncluded one postoperative wound infection and one transient spinal acc essory nerve paresis. There were no recurrences. Conclusions: Function al neck dissection is a safe and effective procedure for surgical mana gement of recurrent cervical branchial remnants.