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ear and seven patients had swelling in the left ear. The DISCUSSION
mean age of the patients at presentation was 23.9 years.
The most common complaint was external deformity, The successful treatment of auricular seromas remains a
followed by pain (2 patients). Table 1 lists the sites of the challenge because this disease has a high propensity for
seromas. recurrence. Seromas are usually drained by aspiration
and a compression bandage is applied. It is difficult to
Of the 20 patients, 2 patients had already been treated
with aspiration and bandage, but they presented with maintain molded pressure bandages on both sides of
recollection. The exact cause of the seromas was the pinna in place long enough to effectively prevent
unknown, except for 1 patient in whom there was a recollection. Many patients have a recollection and
definite history of blunt trauma to the ear while playing. the bandage causes social embarrassment. Ghanem
et al. found recurrence of seromas after aspiration
[2]
All patients tolerated the procedure well. They were and bandage. Various other treatment modalities have
followed-up every 7 days up to 21 days. After 3 days, been practiced such as applying pressure splints using
the splint was removed. None of the patients had any coat buttons, achieving compression using cotton wool
collection of fluid or experienced any pain, fever, or bolsters, and using silicone rubber splints. The limitations
edema. The seroma disappeared without disfigurement. of these modalities include their availability and pliability.
Further follow-up showed no recurrences. The patients O’Donnell and Eliezri suggest excising a disc of cartilage
[3]
were reviewed subjectively for the cosmetic impact of and perichondrium to cure recurrent seromas. Placement
the treatment. We found that they were satisfied with of a continuous portable suction drain that remains
the treatment since there were no dressings, which at the incision site is a treatment option that has been
prevented social embarrassment. It was cosmetically advocated. Mattress or quilting sutures are applied in
[4]
acceptable [Figure 3]. anatomical grooves to achieve compression more evenly
after primary aspiration. The intralesional injection of
[5]
triamcinolone as a treatment option for auricular seromas
has also proven useful. A review of the literature
[6]
suggests that 19-gauze stainless steel wire and chemically
cured resin have been used to fabricate a pressure
appliance to prevent recurrence. [7]
We have proposed a very simple and effective
Figure 1: Aspiration and drainage of the seroma management of seromas using aspiration and applying
a splint formed by remodeling a corrugated rubber
drain. A corrugated rubber drain has many advantages.
A corrugated rubber drain is firm and easily available.
It can be remodeled so that it fits into the small
depressions of the pinna. It is pliable and can be shaped
in accordance with the site of the seroma. This drain
is fixed with a single suture, which splints adequately.
No dressings are required and no complications have
been noticed. This method is a minimally invasive
procedure that is simple and effective. It also prevents
patient distress from recollection, treatment, and social
embarrassment. It is also cost-effective. This treatment
can be administered to large seromas by using a single
Figure 2: Placement of the corrugated rubber drain suture. A corrugated rubber drain is a treatment option
in a rural setting where the availability of resources limits
the treatment options. Most patients prefer not to make
repeated visits to an outpatient department. This type

Table 1: Site distribution of the seromas
Site Number
Between the antihelix and cymba concha 11
Concha 5
Between the helix and antihelix 3
Multiple 1
Figure 3: The pinna on follow-up

14 Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 1 || Issue 1 || Jun 2014