Complete branchial fistulae are rare anomalies of the branchial cleft apparatus. Incomplete fistulae occur more commonly and may be completely asymptomatic. They are often neglected as they do not lead to recurrent infection, while complete branchial fistula have persistent symptom of discharge. The branchial fistula very rarely has two openings. Usually, a thin membrane covering the internal opening is present even if both ends are patent. Demonstration of a complete branchial fistula on imaging studies is also very uncommon. This is a study of five cases of complete second branchial fistulae, which were diagnosed and treated surgically in a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 3 years. The case study also make special emphasis on preoperative imaging for the confirmation of diagnosis and for appropriate surgical approach for complete excision of fistulous tract in order to minimize the recurrence as the revision second-look surgery in neck region is usually difficult.

Bist SS, Purohit K, Agarwal V, Bharti B, Monga U. Complete Second Branchial Fistula: Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Aspects. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2016;8(1):6-10.