Preauricular sinus: Advantage of the drainless minimal supra-auricular approach

Objectives: We performed this study to introduce our minimal supra-auricular approach for the surgical management of a preauricular sinus (PAS) and to evaluate the advantages of this drainless technique. Study design: This was a retrospective study. Setting: The study was done in a tertiary referral center. Methods: We enrolled 94 patients (101 ears) with a PAS who underwent surgical treatment via a minimal supra-auricular approach performed by one surgeon between April 1999 and May 2010. After removing the specimen, meticulous subcutaneous suturing and no drain were used in 83 patients (89 ears) and a postoperative drain was inserted in 11 patients (12 ears). Surgical outcomes of this technique were compared between the groups with and without postoperative drain insertion. Results: With a good surgical view and meticulous subcutaneous mattress sutures in our minimal supra-auricular approach for PAS excision, there was no postoperative recurrence or other serious complication. In the drain group, previous operation history was more frequent (P =.010), and the rate of preoperative infection was higher than in the drainless group (P =.018). Postoperatively, a compression dressing was required more frequently (P =.002) and for longer in the drain group (P =.001). The rate of immediate postoperative wound infection was higher in the drain group (P =.003). Conclusion: Our drainless minimal supra-auricular approach for the surgical removal of a PAS has advantage in terms of good surgical results of no recurrence and is more comfortable for patients because of the reduced need for a compression dressing. We suggest that this technique is effective and safe for PAS excision.