Objective: In this study, we aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis of head and neck masses initially presenting with fistulas.
Methods: A total of 23 patients with head and neck fistulas who admitted to the otorhinolaryngology department of our tertiary care center between January 2011 and May 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, and duration of symptoms were noted from the case records. The side and site of the lesion and the opening of fistula were noted. Co-morbidities, post-operative complications and histopathological diagnosis were classified.
Results: Of the 23 patients with head and neck fistulas, (12 males, 11 females) the average age was 26.52±14.1 (range: 9 to 74) years. Of the 23 lesions, the most prevalent lesion was branchial fistulas (n=13, 56.52%) followed by thyroglossal fistulas (n=7, 30.43%), dermoid fistulas (n=2, 8.7%) and tuberculosis (n=1, 4.4%). Drainage (n=23, 100%) was consistently observed as the initial symptom in all patients while swelling (n=22, 95.6%) was the second most common presenting symptom.
Conclusion: Correct diagnosis is essential to avoid inadequate surgery and multiple procedures for head and neck fistulas of congenital or infectious etiology.