Question
Can congenital preauricular fistula produce discharge?
Answer
Individuals born without symptoms do not need treatment. If there is infection and abscess formation, antibiotic therapy or incision and drainage should be administered. Additionally, regional medication changes and other treatments may be necessary. Once the infection is controlled and the region has healed, the fistula can be surgically removed. Before surgery, a small amount of methylene blue is injected into the fistula to guide the probe. Then, the fistula and any branches are thoroughly excised in one operation. If part of the fistula remains infected and recurs, it becomes very difficult to perform surgery again.