Congenital Aural Fistula Treatment in India

Patient Name: Robert Joshi. Age &...

Patient Name: Robert Joshi. Age & Background: 28-year-old software engineer, recently married. Symptoms/History: Since childhood, Robert had a small pit in front of his right ear. It was mostly ignored until his late 20s, when it began intermittently discharging a foul-smelling, cheesy white material, especially during stressful work periods. Minor redness and tenderness developed around the site. Doctor Recommendation: His ENT surgeon, Dr. Mehta, explained that this was a congenital aural (preauricular) fistula, a remnant from embryonic development. She recommended surgical excision (fistulectomy) to prevent recurrent infections, abscess formation, and permanent scarring. Treatment Experience: Robert underwent a short, 45-minute procedure under local anesthesia. The surgeon meticulously traced and removed the entire fistulous tract. He felt pressure but no pain. Post-Procedure Recovery: Recovery was straightforward. He had minor swelling and discomfort managed with painkillers. The stitches were removed after a week, leaving a neat, barely visible scar. The discharge and odor stopped completely. Emotional Journey: Before the procedure, Robert felt self-conscious and anxious about the smell during important client meetings. He was worried the surgery might affect his hearing or leave a bad scar. After recovery, he felt immense relief and regained his confidence. He was grateful for a permanent solution to a long-standing, nagging problem.