Objective: To evaluate the utilization of functional neck dissection for treatment of recurrent branchial cleft anomalies.
Method: Fifteen patients with recurrent branchial cleft anomalies (fistula and cyst) undergoing functional neck dissection were retrospectively analyzed.
Result: Complications included 2 incisions secondary healing, 1 postoperative choking persisting for 1 months and 1 Horner's syndrome. There was no recurrence after a follow up from 2 months to 6 years,except 2 cases were lost to follow-up.
Conclusion: Functional neck dissection is an effective and safe surgical management for recurrent second and third branchial cleft anomalies(fistula and cyst).