ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility to protect great auricular nerve during surgery for first branchial cleft anomaly in children.MethodsThe data of 17 cases of first branchial cleft cyst, sinus or fistula admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2005 to May 2015 were reviewed. The extent of lesion was demonstrated by enhanced CT before operation. Later surgery further proved that the middle ear and mastoid process was not involved in any of the cases. During surgery, some branches of great auricular nerve were dissected and spared. The cyst, sinus or fistula was obliterated completely while the whole or part of the parotid gland was preserved. The patients were followed-up from half a year to three years with mean time of 2 years and 1 month.ResultsNo recurrence or facial paralysis were found in all patients after surgery. Twelve patients had no paresthesia in the area innervated by great auricular nerve, five patients experienced numbness of ear lobe or inferior 1/3 of the auricle.ConclusionIt is feasible to protect some branches of great auricular nerve during the operation for first branchial cleft anomaly, which does not hinder the thoroughness of the resection for the lesion, and helps to improve the children’s quality of life.