Pre-auricular sinus: Clinical features and the problems of recurrence

Abstract

Summary The clinical features and treatment of 25 patients with pre-auricular sinus is described. This is not a trivial lesion and should be treated with respect. To prevent recurrence all the track must be removed. Infection makes this difficult. Various methods of outlining the track have been tried. As an alternative to dissection, diathermy coagulation has been used to destroy the track. Recurrence demands further difficult surgery, increases local deformity and adds to the time spent in hospital.