Recurrent Branchial Cleft Cyst with Symptomatic Cervical Oesophageal Diverticulum in Adult -An Interesting Presentation of Incomplete Branchial Cleft Cyst Excision

Abstract

Branchial cysts are congenital cystic lesions of the neck, presenting in childhood. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for these lesions. Recurrence of branchial cysts after incomplete excision is fraught with complications due to the second surgery and the complications of the recurrent cyst per se. Here we present a case of recurrent branchial cyst presenting, after a decade, with a full thickness traction diverticulum of the upper cervical oesophagus necessitating excision of the cyst with the diverticulum. This case report emphasises on the pitfalls of incomplete excision at the index surgery and the long-term complications of recurrence.

Keywords

• re-excision
• second branchial cyst
• traction diverticulum