Merocel compression dressing: a novel modified surgical technique for treating auricular pseudocyst

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Auricular pseudocyst (AP) presents as a benign swelling on the ear.
• Deroofing surgery is effective but often associated with significant post-operative pain due to compression.
• Novel approaches are needed to mitigate pain and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel, painless surgical procedure for auricular pseudocyst.
• The technique combines deroofing surgery with a Merocel® compression dressing.
• To assess the efficacy and patient-reported outcomes of this new method.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 31 patients with AP treated between 2015 and 2020.
• The study involved a novel deroofing technique followed by Merocel® compression dressing.
• Data analysis focused on recurrence, pain scores, and complications.

Main Results:

• The novel technique demonstrated high efficacy with only one recurrence (3.2%) in 31 patients.
• Over 93% of patients reported minimal to no pain (numeric rating scale 0-1).
• Minor complications like ecchymosis and mild auricular deformity were reported but managed conservatively.

Conclusions:

• The Merocel® compression dressing following deroofing is an effective and minimally painful treatment for auricular pseudocyst.
• Advantages include reduced post-operative pain, simplicity of the procedure, and readily available materials.
• This technique offers a promising alternative for managing auricular pseudocysts.