Patient's question:
My daughter is 9 years old. When she was born, we noticed a small hole in her ear. My grandmother said it was okay and we didn't pay much attention. She has never felt any discomfort until recently when she suddenly said her ear hurts. I noticed that the area around the hole is red and swollen, and it seems to be leaking a white, pus-like liquid. The doctor at the hospital said we should first treat the inflammation and then for surgery. Do you really have to have surgery?Doctor's answer:
The auricle should be suffering from inflammation and recurring odor caused by a preauricular fistula infection. The preauricular fistula is a congenital condition related to incomplete fusion of the branchial clefts during embryonic development. It is necessary to visit the otolaryngology department of a hospital to undergo fistula cleaning and topical anti-inflammatory treatment. Once the inflammation is completely resolved, surgical excision and debridement of the fistula can be performed. If the inflammation is not completely resolved, surgery should not be rushed, as this may increase the risk of complications.