Publication:

Various outcomes of pinna abscess management in our experience

Background Pinna perichondritis is a common secondary to trauma due to RTA or high ear piercings. Early intervention with antibiotics can lead to cure without sequelae. Delayed presentation, suboptimal treatment, abscess formation, delays in surgical intervention can cause cartilage loss and cosmetic deformity. This study is conducted to evaluate the various outcomes of surgical intervention of pinna abscess and its predisposing factors in our experience.

Methods A retrospective review was conducted to identify the cause, microbiology, management and outcome of the pinna abscess. Over a period of 2 yrs from September 2014 to September 2016, patients presenting with pinna abscess to the department of ENT, SMVMCH, Pondicherry, who underwent incision and drainage at least once were included in this study. 21 patients were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were post auricular abscess, infected pre auricular sinus.

Results Among 21 patients, 11 were males and 10 were females. Most common etiology was road traffic accident in 15 patients, followed by high ear piercing 3 patients, and post-surgical in 1 patient.8 patients responded well with initial incision and drainage and IV antibiotics, with no postoperative complications. 2 patients needed second incision and drainage. 11 patients required incision and drainage more than 2 times and change of IV antibiotics. Among 21 cases, 10 were culture positive. The commonest pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 9 cases. Staphylococcus aureus in 1 case. 11 patients developed postoperative complications cauliflower deformity in 4 patients, recurrent abscess in 7 patients.

Conclusions Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common organism responsible for the pinna abscess caused by trauma (RTA), high ear piercings. Complications like cauliflower deformity and recurrent abscess were noted, which can be reduced by early initiation of antibiotics with surgical intervention.