Question
How is congenital preauricular fistula treated?
Answer
If a person has an infected preauricular fistula without symptoms, treatment is not necessary. In case of infectious inflammation, symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication and other anti-infection treatments should be administered, such as incision and drainage of purulent swelling and regional dressing changes. After the infection is controlled and the region heals, the fistula can be surgically removed. Before the surgery, a small amount of methylene blue is infused into the fistula to guide the probe. Then, the fistula and its branches are completely removed in one operation. If there is a residual part of the fistula that becomes infected again, it will be very difficult to perform surgery.