Comparative study of the post-helical crus approach for excision of classic preauricular sinuses.

BACKGROUND

The standard Pre-helical Crus Approach (Pre-HCA) for preauricular sinus excision often leaves a visible scar.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of the Post-helical Crus Approach (Po-HCA) for the excision of classic preauricular sinuses in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The differences between Po-HCA and the Pre-HCA were analyzed regarding total incision length, sinus incision length, operative time, postoperative wound infection rate, and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

The Po-HCA achieved a significantly shorter sinus incision length (0.2 ± 0.004) compared to the Pre-HC (2.02 ± 0.09) (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in total incision length, operative time, postoperative wound infection rate, or recurrence rate (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Po-HCA technique offers a safe and effective alternative for excising classic preauricular sinuses in the non-infected stage, with the advantage of a minimal visible scar (0.2) compared to conventional approaches.