Pressure appliance to prevent the recurrence of auricular seroma: A new clinical trial

Statement of problem: Auricular swellings significantly affect the facial aesthetics. Swelling affecting the pinna can lead to overt disfigurement and change the entire appeal of the face. Gross deformity can occur because of a delay in diagnosis and mismanagement. In our clinical trial fabrication of a simple, effective innovative pressure appliance for auricular seroma is presented to prevent such changes. Method: Our case report comprises of a new clinical trial on a patient with auricular seroma referred from the department of ENT, M.S. Ramaiah medical hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka. A 19-gauge stainless steel wire (Leo wire, Leone, Italy) and chemically cure resin was used to fabricate the pressure appliance to prevent the recurrence of auricular seroma. Result: Patient was successfully treated with the help of pressure appliance after 8 weeks of follow up. Conclusion: This appliance is a masked alternative to conventional pressure dressing after drainage of auricular seroma which does not pose embarrassment for patient to apply. The use of such an appliance will ensure patient compliance, thereby preventing long term auricular deformity.