On January 11, 2019, more than 200 specialists, including physicians, speech therapists, and physiotherapists, gathered in Krosno for a discussion on current problems in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with hearing disorders. The Conference was held to mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the John Paul II Subcarpathian Regional Hospital in Krosno. However, it was the future rather than history that became the main focus of the discussion. The need to continue the tradition of interdisciplinary approach to audiological treatment of patients with hearing disorders was highlighted.
Preface: Branchial cleft anomalies constitute 32% to 45% of all neck pathologies in the pediatric population. These disorders may be a part of a branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, characterized by branchial arch abnormalities, preauricular pits, hearing impairment, and various types of renal disorders. Usually, the treatment of a branchial fistula does not necessarily require extensive diagnostics before the treatment. However, in some cases, branchial cleft fistulas may occur together with other congenital disorders. A case report: The aim of this study is to present diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in a 4-year old male patient with a complete second branchial cleft fistula and additional congenital, bilateral hearing loss. The course of the disease, diagnostic difficulties, and its treatment are presented. Genetic counseling finally confirmed the mutation of an EYA1 gene, responsible for the occurrence of BOR syndrome. The child undergone a total fistula resection without any complications during hospitalization or in the postoperative treatment. Summary: Presentation of this clinical case was intended primarily to remind that such defects may occur in the association with other anomalies, for example, deafness or renal disorders. When dealing with such patients, it is worth paying attention to the detailed examination and diagnostics, including genetic counseling, hearing tests or abdominal ultrasound. Special radiological imaging should also be performed in case of the unusual course of the fistula or probable proximity to vital structures, what is essential during qualification for surgery. Finally, we wanted to describe alternative methods of treatment for the standard surgical technique that may be used in a selected group of patients.
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