Background
Preauricular sinuses are common congenital anomalies that can lead to recurrent infections. Various surgical techniques, including simple sinusectomy and the more extensive supra-auricular approach, are used to excise these tracts.
Objectives
This study aimed to compare the outcomes of sinusectomy versus supra-auricular excision in a paediatric population.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary paediatric referral centre. Cases from 2009–2025 were identified. Clinical records were reviewed. Data were compiled and analysed between sinusectomy and supra-auricular approaches. Statistical tests were used for identifying significance.
Results
A total of 63 patients (71 ears) were included, with mean age 6.9 years at surgery. Of 71 sinuses, 37 (52.1%) were excised via sinusectomy and 34 (47.9%) via the supra-auricular approach. Postoperative complications occurred in 16 cases (22.5%), significantly more often in the sinusectomy group (32.4%) than the supra-auricular group (11.8%, OR 3.6, p<0.05). Recurrences were observed in 11 cases (15.5% overall): 9 (24.3%) after sinusectomy versus 2 (5.9%) after supra-auricular excision (OR 5.14, p>0.05). No patients in either group experienced facial nerve injury. Median follow-up time was significantly longer after sinusectomy (10.7 months) than after supra-auricular excision (4.8 months, p<0.05), reflecting extended surveillance in recurrent cases.