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Cutaneous sensory deficit following post-auricular incision

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2011

S J Frampton  and
M Pringle
S J Frampton*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Poole District Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
M Pringle
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Steven J Frampton, Specialist Trainee Registrar, ENT Department, Poole District Hospital, Longfleet Road, Poole BH15 2JB, UK Fax: +44 (0)1202 448410 E-mail: stevethemedic1@yahoo.co.uk
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Abstract

Introduction:

Post-auricular incisions are performed for a range of otological procedures. Anecdotally, many patients suffer some numbness of the pinna or post-auricular skin post-operatively, but for most this appears to reduce with time. This study aimed to investigate this phenomenon.

Methods:

A single centre, questionnaire-based study was undertaken, assessing the presence of numbness beyond eight months post-surgery, its location, how it changed, and its impact on the patient. Patients whose numbness had resolved provided details of any temporary deficit. Data were acquired for 35 primary and 16 revision procedures.

Results and conclusion:

Sixty-nine per cent of patients undergoing primary surgery experienced post-operative numbness. Twenty-six per cent had continued numbness after at least eight months' recovery, but only 3 per cent were constantly aware of the deficit. Of those with an ongoing deficit, 78 per cent felt there had been a reduction in the severity, and 67 per cent in the area size, over time. Recovery appeared to be slightly worse in revision cases.

Keywords

HypesthesiaOtologic Surgical ProceduresInformed Consent
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 10 , October 2011 , pp. 1014 - 1019
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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Footnotes

Presented, in part, as a poster at the 1st Congress of the Confederation of European Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 2–6 July 2010, Barcelona, Spain.

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