Preauricular fistula surgery – diagnosis and removal of fistula
Preauricular fistula – what is it?
Preauricular fistula is a congenital defect that develops early in fetal life. In most cases, the fistula is located at the end of the auricular rim. The anomaly requires treatment – especially when there is regular inflammation. Preauricular fistula surgery is a complex surgical procedure performed to remove a congenital anomaly in the ear region. These lesions manifest as small holes or pits located on the front of the auricle or in the cheek area. During the procedure, the surgeon removes not only the fistula opening, but also the accompanying duct. In situations where the surrounding tissues have changed or there is a risk of complications, surgical removal of the cyst and altered soft tissues may be necessary.
- Preauricular fistula – what is it?
- Why Medicus Clinic?
- Causes of preauricular fistula – diagnosis and treatment
- Indications for preauricular fistula surgery – chronic inflammation of the fistula
- Course of surgery to remove a preauricular fistulaCourse of surgery to remove a preauricular fistula
- Recovery and follow-up therapy
- Meet a specialist in otolaryngology
Why Medicus Clinic?
Causes of preauricular fistula – diagnosis and treatment
Preauricular fistula is a congenital malformation involving incomplete closure of the gill pockets during embryonic development. The causes of the anomaly may be genetic and related to negative environmental influences.
The diagnosis of this condition is mainly based on clinical observation. Characteristic symptoms, such as purulent discharges with an unpleasant smell or chronic inflammation or redness near the ear, are usually noticeable as early as childhood. Pre-auricular fistulas can occur bilaterally.
Therapy usually starts with antibiotics, supported by regular cleaning of the affected area, which significantly reduces the risk of infection. Surgical intervention is required for recurrent infections. During the operation, the surgeon removes the entire fistula along with the adjacent duct, thus permanently eliminating the source of the problem and preventing future recurrences.
Indications for preauricular fistula surgery – chronic inflammation of the fistula
A patient suffering from recurrent infections and chronic inflammation is at risk of permanent soft tissue changes and adverse aesthetic effects, which negatively affects the quality of daily life.
The operation is recommended when:
Through a detailed analysis of the patient’s condition, taking into account the overall condition, progression of the condition and individual needs, the specialist can determine the safest and most effective treatment strategy.
Course of surgery to remove a preauricular fistulaCourse of surgery to remove a preauricular fistula
The procedure for excision of a preauricular fistula requires extreme precision. It is carried out under general or local anaesthesia, which guarantees no pain and patient comfort. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision around the fistula, allowing precise localisation and complete removal of the fistula including the canal, which is crucial to avoid recurrence.
Protecting the patient is a priority – the fistula is close to the sensitive facial nerve in the ear region, so the surgeon uses a microscope to operate precisely on the delicate structures.
The treatment is individually planned, taking into account the patient’s specific needs and condition, resulting in a highly effective and safe procedure.
Recovery and follow-up therapy
The healing process after surgery to resect a preauricular fistula is crucial to a full recovery. From the first few days after surgery, the condition of the wound should be carefully monitored so that possible infections or other complications can be detected quickly. The use of antibiotics is aimed at effectively controlling bacterial infections, as infections can seriously prolong healing time. Regular visits to the doctor allow the progress of healing to be monitored and the treatment plan to be modified if necessary. The individual body’s response to treatment requires close collaboration with the doctor, who tailors care to the patient’s specific needs.
Carefully planned post-operative care significantly increases the chances of a complete recovery, enabling a rapid response in the event of a recurrence of the problem.
Meet a specialist in otolaryngology
Professor dr hab in medicine Małgorzata Wierzbicka