Cervico-auricular Fistulae: A Review of Published Cases with a Report

Abstract

A series of 31 reported examples of cervico-auricular fistulae have been collected and one further case added. The diagnosis is made more certain by noting 2 physical signs: a chronic discharging sinus in the neck and a discharge from the external ear when other aural pathology has been excluded. There is little doubt that anomoly is more common than previously realized, and that cases are missed. Radiological investigation may well prove more satisfactory if a less viscous raio-opaque solution is used. At operation the facial nerve may lie superficial or deep to the tract. The exposure of the main trunk of the facial nerve is unwarranted if it is not readily visualized. There has been a low incidence of paresis of the facial muscles.