Excision of a branchial cleft cyst is a procedure to excise congenital cystic masses of the lateral neck along with their duct while minimizing scarring and preventing suppuration and functional impairment. The surgery is indicated for lateral neck cysts or fistulas, which develop from remnants of the branchial arches during embryonic development. Such formations are prone to inflammation, may increase in size, cause pain, and can impair swallowing. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon carefully isolates and completely excises the cyst and all fistulous tracts, which often extend as far as the pharyngeal wall. The surgery reduces the risk of recurrence and inflammation, leaving only a neat scar.