Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Preauricular Fistula

Abstract

A preauricular fistula is a congenital malformation of the auricle, presenting as a small opening or pit in the preauricular area, located along the anterior margin of the helix. Various international studies have presented the demographic and clinical profiles of preauricular fistula, including sex-specific prevalence, the dominant side of the lesion, and surgical techniques employed. However, such information cannot always be directly generalized to the local context due to significant differences in genetic factors, socio-cultural backgrounds, and healthcare systems. In Indonesia, there are no national data on the prevalence of preauricular fistula, while case reports from teaching and referral hospitals, such as Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, remain largely anecdotal. Given that Dr. Soetomo General Hospital is the largest tertiary referral center in Eastern Indonesia, it is important to conduct a systematic clinical mapping of the number of cases, age distribution, sex, lesion laterality, clinical symptoms, and management of preauricular fistula in the hospital’s ORL-HNS outpatient unit. Such information would be highly valuable as a foundation for more targeted and evidence-based clinical policies. Methods: The research method employed was a retrospective descriptive study using medical record data of patients with preauricular fistula who presented to the ORL-HNS Outpatient Department of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. The study period covered January to December 2024. Results: A total of 15 patients with preauricular fistula underwent sursgery at the ORL-HNS Outpatient Department of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital during the period of January to December 2024. Conclusion: The male-to-female ratio was 3:2, with the highest prevalence in the 12–25 years age group. The most common clinical symptoms were pain and erythema at the fistula site. The majority of cases were classic preauricular fistulas. Bilateral location was the most frequently observed. The most common symptom duration prior to surgery ranged from 2 weeks to 2 months.