Management fistulectomy in recurrent preauricular fistula infection

Background: Preauricular sinus or preauricular fistula is a congenital abnormality in the preauricular soft tissue that occurs due to failure fusion of the protrusions in each of the first and second branchial arches that form the auricle during embryonic growth. The most common location of the hole is in the anterior ascending helix. This condition tends to be asymptomatic if in a non-infected condition. However, if in an infected condition, the fistula requires special treatment. Surgery is needed if the discharge is prolonged or if there is recurrent infection. Case Description: A 17-year-old female patient complained of a lump in her right ear, pain and accompanied by the discharge of thick yellow pus. Since birth, the patient has had an abnormal hole (fistula) precisely in the anterior helix there is a fistula hole and an abscess measuring 1 cm x 0.5 cm, with hyperemia. The patient's younger sibling also has a hole in front of the ear but has no complaints. The incident occurred twice and greatly disrupted the patient's activities. Fistulectomy was performed after the acute infection had subsided under general anesthesia. The patient underwent a simple fistulectomy operation. The entire tract and sinus were removed; the defect was destroyed and sutured. Conclusion: Inadequate management of preauricular fistula can cause recurrence. Proper surgical technique can minimize complications and recurrence in cases of preauricular fistula. Simple fistulectomy is a good choice as a standard procedure for excision of preauricular fistula.