A Case of Right Pyriform Sinus Fistula Treated by Trichloroacetic Acid Chemocauterization

Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare disease that is associated with recurrent suppurative thyroiditis and neck abscess. However, it is difficult to remove the fistula radically. Furthermore, patients, especially children, need to tolerate the burden of emotional and physical stress. Recently, chemocauterization of the internal opening of the fistula using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was reported as a safe and reliable treatment procedure for this disease.Here, we report the case of a 13-year-old girl who was diagnosed as having a right pyriform sinus fistula and was treated by chemocauterization with TCA. The internal opening of the fistula could be easily observed under a laryngoscope, which allowed the chemocauterization to be performed without any difficulty. No complications were observed during or after the procedure.Until date, 15 month since the treatment, the patient remains free of recurrence. Based on our experience, we suggest that chemocauterization with TCA is a useful and safe treatment for pyriform sinus fistula.