Combination Surgical Procedure for Fourth Branchial Anomalies: Operative Technique and Outcomes.
Matthew MaksimoskiSarah E MaurrasseMatthew PurkeyJohn MaddalozzoPublished in: The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology (2020)
A combination approach to fourth branchial apparatus lesions-including endoscopic cauterization, external excision, and hemithyroidectomy-is safe and provides a high rate of primary cure. Although less invasive options exist, remnants of the branchial lesion, especially in the thyroid, may remain and cause recurrent issues. Therefore, we advocate for complete surgical excision of this rare developmental anomaly, especially when obvious thyroid involvement exists.