A simple and reproducible surgical technique for the management of preauricular sinuses

Preauricular sinus is a relatively common congenital anomaly that mainly exists on the anterior aspect of the anterior limb of the ascending helix. Although many surgical techniques have been developed, extirpation of the sinus is not easy because of the ramifications of the sinus, remnants of the sinus wall, and infection with or without formation of abscesses, which can all lead to disease recurrence. In our institution, we have surgically treated a total of 141 cases of congenital preauricular sinuses. Instead of using the conventional lacrimal probe and methylene blue method, we used a gentian violet-soaked Cottonoid, which has antibacterial effects against the main pathogen responsible for causing infection of the preauricular sinus. Results have been very favorable, with a zero recurrence rate. We present here a simple and reproducible surgical technique using a gentian violet-soaked Cottonoid that even beginning surgeons can easily follow.