Transternocleidomastoid vertical muscle approach in the extirpation of the lateral cervical cysts: video-assisted technique.

Congenital tumors as branchiogenic cysts and hygromas are most likely to occur in the middle and superior third of the lateral area of the neck. They are found beneath the sternocleidomastoid (SCM); domus can lie just beneath anterior, middle, and posterior aspect of the muscle, depending on the development of the tumor. When tumor is placed on the anterior edge of SCM, an anterior approach is used; if it develops on the posterior border, a posterior way is indicated. In both cases, muscular fibers must be displaced forward or behind, permitting safe and easy exposition and resection. This article describes a new video-assisted approach for benign cystic tumors projecting in the middle of the SCM. Cyst exposure and resection are performed by passing through the muscle body vertically.