[Cysts and fistulas of the lateral neck. Apropos of 18 cases with a review of the literature].

Lateral cysts and fistulas of the neck are branchial cleft malformations. Lateral fistulas occurring at the basis of the neck account for about 5% of all congenital neck fistulas. Concerning 18 personal case observations of 2nd and 3rd branchial arch cysts, the authors report the chief clinical findings in this type of malformation, as well as discussing fistulography as a valuable investigational technique. They present the characteristics of surgical therapy as the sole possible solution.