열가소성 부목을 이용한 이개혈종의 압박치료

Background and Objectives: Auricular hematoma, induced by direct trauma of external ear. Although there are various techniques, there is no generalized method. We had satisfactory results with external compression technique using thermoplastic splint after incision and drainage of auricular hematoma. Materials and Method: 11 patients who were diagnosed with auricular hematoma at our hospital from November, 2005 to October, 2006. In surgical procedure, incision was made along the antihelix under local anesthesia and by dissecting preauricular skin and perichondrium from auricular cartilage, collected fluid was drained. Triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the site and skin was sutured. After applying designed thermoplastic splint in both auricular aspects, through-and-through suture of auricle using 3-0 nylon was performed. Results: Pa-tients were classified into 4 cases of development in antihelix and scapha, 4 cases of development in triangular fossa and cymba concha, and 3 cases of cartilage thickening in antihelix according to developmental sites and patterns. After the surgery, all patients had no postoperative complications like infection, pain. One week after surgery, we could obtain natural shape of auricle. Conclusions: We suggest thermoplastic splint for the treatment of auricular hematoma for auricular reconstruction because it is simple to mold, easy to suture, and can be evenly compressed on the lesion. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2007;18:202–206)