A novel surgical technique for management of congenital midline cervical clefts: case series

Congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC) is a rare defect of the midline neck which is often misdiagnosed. The aim of this study is to show the efficacy and safety of a novel surgical technique for CMCC to get excellent aesthetic and functional results. We report a series of four cases, two female and two male patients, affected by midline cervical cleft who underwent surgical excision and primary reconstruction of the neck defect through a double opposing Z-plasty, at the Pediatric Plastic and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit of a third-level referral hospital in Rome. No complications nor recurrences were noted; cosmetic results were satisfactory in all cases with progressive scar improvement. Early and complete surgical excision is essential to ensure good aesthetical results. The double opposing Z-plasty closure allowed us to obtain an excellent functional outcome and reduce cervical contracture.