Sx of ear Flashcards
What are 2 physical causes of an auricular hematoma?
head shaking, scratching
-rarely documented
T/F: auricular hematomas can be immune mediated
TRUE- or inflammatory mechanism
Auricular hematoma hemorrhage comes from what artery?
from the great auricular artery within the cartilage plate
______ results in thickened, deformed ear = auricular hematoma
fibrin deposition
Fibrous reorginization in an auricular hematoma results in _____ contracture
cauliflower
-wrinkles up ear, cosmetic defect, can predispose to dermatitis
Conservative management options for auricular hematomas?
- oral prednisolone +/- aspiration
- needle aspiration and instillation of corticosteroid
- indwelling drains
Reason for auricular hematoma surgery?
larger, chronic hematomas
recurrence after conservative management
clinician preference
T/F: Indwelling drain for auricular hematoma shouldn’t be placed with only local anesthesia
False: can be placed with sedation or local anesthesia
What can we do to remove as much fibrinous material as possible when using an indwelling drain for auricular hematoma?
evacuate and flush with sterile saline
What is the name of the drain used for an indwelling drain for auricular hematoma?
Larson teat tube
Indwelling drain for auricular hematoma: 2 types of drain tube?
silastic tubing
butterfly catheter tubing
How long do we leave an Indwelling drain in for auricular hematoma?
until cavity heals except for drain path
-about 2-3 weeks
What is the most common mistake with indwelling drain for auricular hematoma?
removing them too early
What is this picture showing?
Larson’s teat tube- Indwelling drain for auricular hematoma
Describe a good prognostic factor for conservative tx of auricular hematoma?
case selection- recent hematomas that can be easily evacuated or are small
Prognosis of oral pred for auricular hematoma?
very good response
-recurrence rates unknown
Prognosis of aspiration and instillation of corticosteroid for auricular hematoma?
very good prognosis (>90%)
may need more than 1 treatment
Prognosis for Larson teat tube and indwelling drains for auricular hematomas?
recurrence of hematoma is common if removed too soon
T/F: indwelling drains are considered conservative treatment for auricular hematomas
True
What surgical options do we have for auricular hematomas?
incision- straight or S-shaped
dermal punch- create fenestrations on concave side of ear
laser fenestrations- provide multiple sites for drainage avoiding suture placement
Surgical incision method for auricular hematomas?
incise from one end of hematoma to other on concave side
remove clot/fibrinous exudate and irrigate
obliterate dead space: pressure bandage or multiple matress sutures
For surgical incision when fixing an aural hematoma, what is important to remember when suturing?
blood supply to the pinna can be compromised if sutures are placed perpendicular to vessels convex side
sutures need to be placed parallel to long axis of pinna (as seen in pic)
Describe the post op management of surgical incision for aural hematoma
bandages typically used to immobilze ear until sutures removed, esp in patients that continue to shake their head
may be difficult to maintain and keep clean- change bandages