Neonatal ear fistula

If there is something like a small hole on the ear of a newborn baby and if there is secretion coming out at this time, it is generally considered a preauricular fistula. In this case, it is best to undergo surgery. Parents should not worry too much about it. This is a congenital developmental abnormality and infection should be prevented. When repeated ruptures occur, surgical treatment should be performed in time so that it can be completely cured.

Neonatal ear fistula

The preauricular fistula is a layer of concave skin, with about 90% of its opening in front of the crus of the helix. It is a congenital developmental abnormality and an abnormal tissue anatomical structure.

Preauricular fistula is the relic of the first branchial cleft. It usually has only one tube and is a blind tube with a single outlet. It is caused by poor fusion of the hillock-like nodules of the first and second branchial arches that form the auricle during the embryonic period or incomplete closure of the first branchial groove. It basically will not heal on its own.

When should babies undergo surgery for preauricular fistula?

1. Under what circumstances does congenital preauricular fistula need treatment? Congenital preauricular fistula is generally asymptomatic, or a small amount of mucus and sebum is squeezed out. No treatment is required at this time.

2. Some congenital preauricular fistulas are extremely susceptible to infection. When infected, the area around the fistula opening may become red, swollen, painful, or an abscess may form and rupture. After one inflammation, the fistula may become inflamed and festered repeatedly, and repeated rupture may require surgical treatment.

3. The lumen of the preauricular fistula will develop deeper, and in a few cases the infection may extend to the external auditory canal or mastoid, which can easily be misdiagnosed as mastoiditis. Recurrent infections may require surgical treatment.

Any unhealthy condition or discomfort in any part of the baby's body is a concern for the parents. Will the baby's preauricular fistula heal on its own? It may seem like a small problem, but it may cause other complications that affect the baby's health. Young parents must not take it lightly and must pay enough attention to it. If necessary, they must go to a regular hospital for treatment as soon as possible.