WOUND INFECTION OF THE OUTER EAR

The aim of the research to find out the frequency, probable causes of suppuration of post-traumatic wounds of the external ear.Material and methods. During 2006-2021, 49 patients with injuries of the external ear sustained during road accidents - 17 (34.7%), fights - 16 (32.7%), work with cutting tools - 10 (20.4%), dog bites - 6 (12.2%) were admitted to the burn unit of Yurii Lypa Lviv Regional Hospital for War Veterans and Repressed Persons on an urgent basis. First aid was provided to the victims by ambulances, doctors in trauma centers and surgical rooms of polyclinics. Primary surgical treatment of the wounds consisted of stopping the bleeding, removing foreign bodies and blood clots, washing the wounds with antiseptic solutions, and the bitten wounds with soapy water. No stitches were applied. Up to 12 hours after the injury, 26 (53.1%) victims were hospitalized, after 12 hours - 23 (46.9%).Results of the study. Surgeries were performed within 1 hour of hospitalization in 23 (46.9%), 2-4 hours in 13 (26.5%), and 5-8 hours in 13 (26.6%). One-stage surgeries were used in 25 (51.1%) cases, two-stage surgeries - in 24 (48.9%). Autocartilage was used to replace the defect in 24 (48.9%) patients, and a posterior flap was used in 25 (51.1%) cases. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 (14.3%) patients: wound suppuration - 3 (6.1%), phlegmon - 2 (4.1%), flap necrosis - 2 (4.1%). Among those hospitalized up to 12 hours after the injury, 1 (3.8%) developed a complication, and 4 (17.4%) - after 12 hours. It can be assumed that the reason for this was the appearance of infection in the affected tissues, and proper primary surgical treatment of the wound was no longer able to stop it. While 2 (4.1%) of the victims with bitten wounds developed wound suppuration, the rest - 3 (6.1%).Conclusions. 1. Wound suppuration in the replacement of posttraumatic defects of the external ear is the most common postoperative complication. 2. Seeking specialized medical care after 12 hours from the injury and biting wounds are factors of increased risk of ear wound suppuration.