[Preauricular fistulae]

Preauricular fistulae and their relapses are not exceptional in ENT practice. Simple topographic and anatomical relations in this area tempt us to underrate the surgical risk which is mainly the danger of incomplete removal and subsequent relapses. The elimination of nonidentifiable remnants of branchiomas in the granulation and scar tissue calls for resection extending to sound neighbouring structures which require more pretentious knowledge of clinical and anatomical conditions in this region. The authors operated successfully during the past 10 years 10 preauricular fistulae (primary operations) and two relapses. They outline the principles of surgery which were formulated with regard to their own experience, data in the literature and based on the most recent embryological findings; they emphasize preventive aspects of surgical treatment of preauricular fistulae.