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Prospective Study on Retrograde Resection of Preauricular Sinus via Posterior Crus of Helix Approach
Haigang Zhang1, Yan Gao1, Mingyue Fan1
1From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
Background:
Currently, the focus of preauricular sinus surgery is on reducing recurrence rates, with limited research on achieving favorable cosmetic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of retrograde resection of preauricular sinus via the posterior crus of helix approach (PoCHA).
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted, planning to perform retrograde resection of the preauricular sinus via the PoCHA between January 2025 and April 2025. In the PoCHA, an operative incision was made 2 mm posterior to the posterior edge of the crus of the helix. After excision of the sinus from the spine of the helix cartilage, the sinus tract was separated in a retrograde manner toward the sinus orifice and completely removed. The length of the sinus scar, operation time, postoperative bleeding rate, incision infection and healing rates, scar score, and recurrence rate were evaluated.
Results:
A total of 40 patients were enrolled. The operation time was 39.92 ± 10.13 minutes. The length of the sinus orifice incision ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 cm, with an average of 0.2 ± 0.004 cm. The postoperative bleeding rate was 5% (2 of 40), the incision infection rate was 2.5% (1 of 40), and the recurrence rate was 0% (0 of 40). The scar score was 0.09 ± 0.34.
Conclusions:
Retrograde resection of preauricular sinuses via the PoCHA contributes to achieving both radical treatment and favorable cosmetic outcomes, representing a worthwhile surgical option.
