Excision of Preauricular Pits and Sinuses
Chapter in Book
2025-03-03
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Publisher
Department
Faculty
Series
Abstract
Preauricular pits and sinuses are congenital anomalies located in or just in front of the ascending limb of the helix (Figure 1). They may discharge desquamated keratin debris. Although more common on the right, they may be bilateral. The incidence varies, being as high as 10% in parts of Africa. Preauricular sinuses may be sporadic or inherited (autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance and variable expression) and may be associated with branchiootorenal syndrome. Even though excising a sinus is a relatively minor surgical procedure, recurrence is not uncommon if an adequate resection is not done. Surgery is only indicated when it is complicated by recurrent infection or abscesses (Figures 2, 3). An abscess should first be aspirated with a needle and fully treated with antibiotics before surgery is contemplated.
Description
Reference:
Fagan, J. 2025. Excision of Preauricular Pits and Sinuses. In Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery. J. Fagan, Ed.Cape Town, South Africa: University of Cape Town. 8. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43491 .