One-Stop Outpatient Management of Accessory Auricle in Children with Titanium Clip

Abstract

Introduction. Literature on ideal management of accessory auricles is limited. Traditionally, accessory auricles are managed by paediatricians with suture ligation at the base of the accessory auricle to induce ischaemic necrosis (Mehmi et al, 2007). This method can be associated with complications and poor cosmesis thus leading to the vogue of surgical excision ( Frieden et al, 1995; Sebben, 1989). We present our experience in managing these lesions in children with the application of a titanium clip in a one-stop outpatient setting. Methods. Data was collected retrospectively through review of patient records and telephone questionnaire identifying outcomes from the parents' perspective. Results. Of 42 patients, 24 (57.1%) responded. Eleven (26.2%) underwent surgical excision, 6 (14.3%) had no intervention, and 1 (2.4%) was not contactable. All parents were happy with the outcome and would recommend this management to other parents. Twenty-three (96%) had no complications apart from a tiny residual nubbin, which was considered cosmetically acceptable. One child had a residual nubbin that grew in size requiring surgical excision at later stage. Conclusion. Management of accessory auricles by the application of a titanium clip in one-stop outpatient setting is safe, simple, quick, and well tolerated with no need for admission, anaesthesia, or followup due to the low complication rate.

Birth defects after use of antithyroid drugs in early pregnancy: a Swedish nationwide study

“…The type of ear malformation differed slightly and the majority of Danish cases were diagnosed as preauricular sinus/fistula/cyst, whereas the Swedish cases included accessory auricle. Both types of defects arise from abnormal development of the auricle and are typically located anterior to the auricle (25,26). The preauricular sinus/fistula/cyst typically presents as a small pit (25), whereas the accessory auricle typically presents as a skincovered nodule (26).…”

“…Both types of defects arise from abnormal development of the auricle and are typically located anterior to the auricle (25,26). The preauricular sinus/fistula/cyst typically presents as a small pit (25), whereas the accessory auricle typically presents as a skincovered nodule (26). A shared feature was the registration of surgical procedures related to the disorder.…”

A Novel Procedure for the Removal of Supernumerary or Accessory Tragus on Neonates

“…When successful, this process can take days if not weeks to run its course. Another approach may be to refer these patients to a Plastic Surgeon or a Pediatric Surgeon for care which may be to have the lesions managed by means of application of surgical clips [3] at their base thus achieving a similar effect as a ligature. Alternatively, the lesions can be permanently surgically excised later when the patient is older.…”