Collaural Fistula: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction

Collaural fistula or cervico-aural fistula is rare and accounts for less than 8% of branchial cleft anomalies. Their rarity and diverse presentations have frequently led to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Case Report

We report one such case of a 7 year old girl who presented to us with two discharging cutaneous openings on the left side; one in the floor of the left external auditory canal and another in the upper neck and lower face (infra-auricular region).

Discussion

Surgical exploration and excision is the definitive treatment of a collaural fistula. A sinus/ fistula opening into the external auditory canal, should be removed with skin and cartilage. If more than 30% of the circumference of the external auditory canal is denuded, split thickness skin grafting and stenting are recommended. The potential post-operative complications are facial nerve paralysis and recurrence of the lesion. Fistulogram is a useful diagnostic tool.