ObjectiveTo study the surgical treatment of cervical cystic hygroma in adult.MethodsClinical data of 9 adult patients suffering from cervical cystic hygroma surgically treated in our department from April 2014 to June 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, 5 were male and 4 were female with an age range from 18 to 63 years. All the hygromas were unilateral with left side in 4 cases and right side in 5. According to the de Serres stage system, 5 patients were at stage I, 2 were at stage II and another 2 at stage III. As for the tumor site, 7 were in the parapharyngeal space, one was in the posterior cervical triangle, and one anteroinferior to the hyoid bone. All patients underwent surgical treatment.ResultsCystic hygroma was completely removed via external cervical approach in all cases. Horner syndrome occurred in 2 patients and got recovered spontaneously. All patients had been followed up for 5 to 38 months postoperatively, neither recurrence nor serious complications occurred.ConclusionSurgical treatment is the preferred choice for cervical cystic hygroma in adult. Complete stripping and excision of cystic wall is the key to reduce recurrence.