Retrospective review of 70 cases of pyriform sinus fistula.

Background: Pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) is a rare branchial pouch anomaly of the neck that presents a diagnostic and management challenge. The objective of this study is to highlight the value of intraoperative suspension laryngoscope-assisted methylene blue injection through the internal opening as a guide for locating the fistula.

Methods: A retrospective study of 70 cases of PSF in children from 2009 to 2017 was managed, and an intraoperative suspension laryngoscope-assisted method combined with neck exploration and excision of the tract were performed in all cases.

Results: The patients comprised 36 males and 34 females ranging in age from 7 days to 15 years. Sixty-four cases were predominantly left-sided (64/70, 91.4%), and 6 cases (6/70, 8.6%) occurred on the right side. Four cases exhibited temporary postoperative hoarseness (4/70, 5.7%), which disappeared after one week. There were no instances of recurrence during follow-up ranging from two to nine years, and the median follow-up period was four years.

Conclusion: The use of our surgical approaches can facilitate the localization of the fistula during dissection in open neck surgery, and reduce recurrence.