Open surgical management of auricular haematoma: incision, evacuation and mattress sutures.

OBJECTIVE: A large variety of techniques have been used for auricular haematoma management. The open surgical management of auricular haematoma involves incision, evacuation and the obliteration of dead space using biodegradable mattress sutures. Our goal was to describe open surgical management for primary, recurrent and spontaneous auricular haematoma.

METHODS: Auricular haematoma patients who underwent open surgical management were prospectively audited (2010-2013). Information was collected on demographics, clinical presentation, aetiology, examination findings, previous interventions, details of open surgical management and post-operative follow up.

RESULTS: In all, 12 male and 3 female patients with a mean age of 33 years (range 16-86 years) were evaluated. Contact sport injury was the most common aetiology. Ten patients had undergone previous unsuccessful interventions to treat auricular haematoma before open surgical management was performed. All patients were managed successfully without significant recurrence. One patient had a minor local reaccumulation which required reinsertion of a mattress suture. One elderly patient developed localised cellulitis which responded well to antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: Open surgical management of auricular haematoma has been successful. The technique is simple and reliable, and can be accomplished in a clinical setting under local anaesthesia.