ear, nose, and throat disorders
How To Drain an Auricular Hematoma
Tips and Tricks for Auricular Hematoma Drainage
Adequate anesthesia is needed for proper positioning of the perichondrium after hematoma evacuation. The cotton or gauze bolsters should be placed in small pieces to conform precisely to the shape of the ear cartilage. This presses the perichondrium firmly against the cartilage, allowing it to heal without reaccumulation of the hematoma or deformity. A properly applied head wrapping impinges uncomfortably on the patient's eyebrow and contralateral ear. This can be made more tolerable by wrapping umbilical tape or an unfolded 4×4 gauze around the dressing above the eye and opposite ear to bunch it up and hold it clear of the eye and ear. 