09-13, 12:15–12:45 (Europe/Istanbul), Head & Neck Surgery 3
Background, Description, and Objectives
Second branchial arch cysts are the most common congenital cystic lesions of the lateral neck. They arise from incomplete obliteration of the second branchial cleft during embryological development and usually present as painless lateral cervical swellings. Differential diagnosis may be challenging, particularly in adults, where cystic metastatic lymph nodes should always be excluded. Complete surgical excision remains the definitive treatment and requires detailed knowledge of cervical anatomy to avoid injury to adjacent neurovascular structures and to prevent recurrence.
This instructional course will review the embryology, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, differential diagnosis, and surgical anatomy of second branchial arch cysts. Surgical techniques, operative tips, potential complications, and postoperative outcomes will be discussed through a case-based approach.
The objectives are to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize surgical planning, enhance operative safety, and reduce recurrence and complications.
Purpose of the Instructional Course
This instructional course aims to provide participants with a practical and evidence-based understanding of the diagnosis and surgical management of second branchial arch cysts. Emphasis will be placed on embryology, differential diagnosis of lateral neck masses, preoperative assessment, surgical anatomy, operative technique, and prevention of complications and recurrence.
Professor Hazem Mohamed Aly Saleh, MD, PhD, MSc, DEA, is Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Cairo University. He received his specialist training in France more than two decades ago, building a distinguished academic and surgical career bridging the European and Egyptian medical systems.
He earned his Medical Doctorate (MD) in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery from Université Clermont-Ferrand. His advanced qualifications include a Diploma in Laser Surgery and a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Neuroscience from Université de Montpellier, as well as a Diploma in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery from Institut Gustave Roussy. He also holds a Master of Science in Otolaryngology from Cairo University and a French Master of Medical and Biological Sciences. In recognition of his academic merit, he was awarded the prestigious title of “Maître en Otorhinolaryngologie” by the French government.
Professor Saleh is an active member of leading international professional bodies, including the American Head and Neck Society, the French and Egyptian Societies of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the International Association of Phonosurgery, and the Union of European Phoniatricians.
His clinical expertise focuses on conservative laryngeal surgery, transoral laser microsurgery, and phonosurgery. Over a career spanning more than thirty years, he has authored and co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to two internationally recognized textbooks: Complications of Head and Neck Surgery, edited by David Eisele, and Magnetic Nanoparticles, edited by Nguyen Thanh.
A frequent invited speaker, moderator, and chairperson at national, regional, and international conferences, Professor Saleh has also organized and chaired international meetings and specialized workshops on Laser in Laryngology in Egypt and across the Arab Gulf region. He further served as Organizer and Academic Supervisor of an intensive preparatory program at the French Center for Culture and Cooperation in Cairo, preparing Egyptian medical graduates for the French national residency examination (“Internat”).