Clinical features and surgical outcomes of congenital preauricular sinuses in children
I. V. Fomenko,
I. V. Dolgova,
V. I. Shishkina,
A. L. Kasatkina,
E. E. Maslak,
Yu. O. Kroman,
A. N. Buzhbanova https://doi.org/10.33925/1683-3031-2025-979
Abstract
Relevance. Congenital preauricular sinuses (PAS) account for approximately 5% of all congenital anomalies of the maxillofacial region. Previous studies have reported delayed diagnosis and postoperative recurrence following surgical treatment of preauricular sinuses.
Objective. To investigate the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes in children treated for congenital preauricular sinuses.
Materials and methods. A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients admitted for congenital preauricular sinuses to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at City Clinical Hospital No. 1 (Volgograd, Russian Federation) between 2019 and 2025.
Results. Among 149 patients hospitalized for congenital preauricular sinuses, children accounted for 12.7% of cases. In 94.7% of patients, a unilateral sinus tract opening was observed near the superior pole of the helix. In some cases, atypical anatomical variants were identified, including atypical location, the presence of two sinus tract openings, or bilateral preauricular sinuses located at the typical anatomical site. Most children (73.7%) presented with inflammatory changes, whereas 26.3% were admitted for elective surgical treatment. Preoperative ultrasonography combined with intraoperative dye injection significantly improved visualization of the sinus tract.
Conclusion. Children with congenital preauricular sinuses typically seek medical care only after the development of inflammatory complications. During clinical assessment, possible atypical location of the sinus tract should be considered, as this may result in technical difficulties during surgical treatment.
About the Authors
I. V. Fomenko
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina V. Fomenko, DDS, PhD, DSc, Professor, Head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry
1, Pavshikh Bortsov Sq., Volgograd, 400131
I. V. Dolgova
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Inna V. Dolgova, DMD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry
Volgograd
V. I. Shishkina
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vera I. Shishkina, DMD, Assistant Professor, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry
Volgograd
A. L. Kasatkina
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Angella L. Kasatkina, DMD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry
Volgograd
E. E. Maslak
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena E. Maslak, DMD, PhD, DSc, Professor, Department of the Pediatric Dentistry
Volgograd
Yu. O. Kroman
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yulian O. Kroman, DMD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgical Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volgograd
A. N. Buzhbanova
Volgograd State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alina N. Buzhbanova, 5th year student, Dental Faculty
Volgograd
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Review
For citations:
Fomenko I.V., Dolgova I.V., Shishkina V.I., Kasatkina A.L., Maslak E.E., Kroman Yu.O., Buzhbanova A.N. Clinical features and surgical outcomes of congenital preauricular sinuses in children. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2025;25(4):365-372. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33925/1683-3031-2025-979
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