Para-aural Abscess and its Management

Para-aural abscessation refers to the extension of purulent inflammation and infection outside the deeper parts of the external ear canal or the middle ear cavity, into the surrounding soft tissues. It can arise from trauma, neoplasia, foreign bodies, chronic otitis externa and previous ear surgery. Clinical signs of pain upon opening the mouth, para-aural swelling and the development of draining tracts in the region of the ear base and parotid gland can appear followed by signs of otitis interna such as ataxia and head tilt toward the affected side, and of facial nerve paralysis. Otoscopy will usually allow recognition of obstruction; however, large abscesses can be opened and drained if indicated before definitive treatment. Apart from contrast radiography (fistulograms), CT imaging is recommended as a diagnostic technique as it provides useful information with respect to the cause of the condition and the recommended surgical approach. Various diagnostic procedures and surgical approaches recommended for the treatment of para-aural abscessation have been elaborated in this chapter. The success and outcome of a surgical procedure does not only depend on the knowledge, experience and instrument and tissue handling of the surgeon, but also on the best periand postoperative care. In this chapter, peri- and postoperative analgesia, peri- and postoperative antibacterial therapy, postoperative nutritional management and postoperative dressings and wound management of patients undergoing ear surgery will be discussed under different headings.

Keywords: Abscess, Antibiotics, Auricle, Bandage, Cat, Dog, Ear, Otoscopy, Pain, Pus, Surgery.