Does otorrhea require surgery?
Ear discharge in clinical terms refers to congenital preauricular fistula. Surgery is not always necessary for congenital preauricular fistula; the decision should be based on individual circumstances.
1. No surgery
Congenital preauricular fistula is usually a remnant caused by incomplete fusion of the first branchial cleft during embryonic development, and belongs to a congenital abnormality of ear development. If the patient has no symptoms and no history of infection, surgery can be avoided temporarily. Regular follow-up visits at the hospital are sufficient.
2. Surgery required
If there are recurrent local infections accompanied by itching, discharge oozing from the fistula opening, or skin ulceration due to infection, prompt medical attention is needed. Surgical intervention, such as excision of the preauricular fistula, should be performed to completely remove the fistula and improve the condition.