Management of pinna haematoma study (MaPHaeS): A multicentre retrospective observational study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess current variation in the management of pinna haematoma (PH) and its effect on outcomes.

Design: Multicentre retrospective observational record-based study.

Setting: Eleven hospitals around the UK.

Participants: Eighty-three patients above the age of 16 with PH.

Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was recurrence rate of PH over a 6-month period post-treatment, assessed by treatment type (scalpel incision vs needle aspiration). Secondary outcome measures assessed the impact of other factors on recurrence, infection and cosmetic complications of PH over a period of 6 months.

Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, involvement of the whole ear, and management within an operating theatre were associated with a lower rate of recurrence of pinna haematoma. The drainage technique, suspected aetiology, choice of post-drainage management, grade and specialty of practitioner performing drainage, the use of antibiotic cover and hospital admission did not affect the rate of haematoma recurrence, infection or cosmetic complications.

Conclusions: Where possible PH should be drained in an operating theatre. Multicentre randomized controlled trials are required to further investigate the impact of drainage technique and post-drainage management on outcome.

Keywords: drainage; ear auricle; ear pinna; haematoma.