Question
How long does it take to perform preauricular fistula surgery?
Answer
Congenital preauricular fistula is a common otolaryngological condition. In the absence of symptoms, treatment is not necessary; however, if infection and abscess occur, antibiotic therapy or incision and drainage along with regional dressing changes may be required. Once the infection is controlled and the area has healed, the fistula excision surgery can then be performed. Before the surgery, methylene blue is injected into the fistula to guide the probe. Subsequently, the fistula and its branches are thoroughly excised. If any remaining part of the fistula leads to recurrent infection, further surgery is needed for thorough treatment.