Swelling of the neck following tonsillectomy. Lateral cervical fistula

A 16-year-old patient presented with recurrent cervical swelling to the right side of the neck on coughing and sneezing. Although present since childhood, the symptoms had progressed over the preceding year. Immediately prior to this period a bilateral tonsillectomy had been performed for recurrent tonsillitis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complete lateral cervical fistula extending between the thyroid and submandibular glands on the right side of the neck. Successful surgical resection accomplished complete removal of the fistula.