Pressure dressing after excision of preauricular sinus: suture transfixion of silicone sheets.

OBJECTIVE

After excision of a preauricular sinus, a head bandage compressive dressing is usually used to reduce dead space and to decrease the risk of recurrence. However, such use of a head bandage may cause various problems. We assessed a new method of compressive dressing, using suture transfixion of silicone sheets to the former sinus tract, following preauricular sinus excision.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing preauricular sinus excision in a tertiary referral centre over a five-year period. After excision of the preauricular sinus, patients underwent suture transfixion of silicone sheets. Post-operative outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

The new dressing method was performed on 50 ears of 37 patients. The post-operative incidence of recurrence and haematoma formation was 4 and 2 per cent, respectively. Other problems possibly caused by head bandaging, such as headache, facial flushing, and nausea and/or vomiting, were not observed.

CONCLUSION

Compressive dressing by suture transfixion of silicone sheets is safe and effective following preauricular sinus excision.