Comparison and evaluation of three techniques for treating auricular pseudocyst

Abstract

Background

Auricular pseudocyst is a benign cystic lesion in cartilages of the auricle. Different methods are currently used to manage this disease. In these methods, simple aspiration combined with pressure dressing, local steroid injection and surgery are the most prevalent therapies.

Objective

To find the best clinical path for the treatment of auricular pseudocyst.

Methods

Eighty-four subjects were randomly allocated into three equal groups (Group A: simple suction combined with pressure dressing; Group B: suction and local steroid injection; and, Group C: surgery). Two otolaryngologists assessed effective rate, sequelae and degree of satisfaction at three-month follow-up. A visual analog scale was used to determine degree of satisfaction.

Results

Group A had the lowest effective rate (54%). Group C was highest in terms of effectiveness (100%) but also in incidence of sequelae (71%). Group B had a slightly lower effective rate (86%) than Group C, but the incidence of sequelae was lowest (42%). Degree of satisfaction was highest (7.0 ± 2.7) for Group B.

Conclusion

Local steroid injection should be the first choice for the treatment of auricular pseudocyst because of high satisfaction, favorable effectiveness and few sequelae. Where this method is ineffective, surgery should be used.

Keywords:

• Auricular pseudocyst
• therapy
• comparison

Acknowledgements

Thanks for the platform support provided by Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University and the first Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the ‘Application of CardinalSim virtual reality temporal bone surgery simulation system in the teaching of otology’ of undergraduate teaching reform and research project of Qilu medical college of Shandong University (grant number qlyxjy-201894).