[Auricular and periauricular pathologies in the ENT department of Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in Lome (Togo)].

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological aspects, clinical features and principles of management of different types of auricular and peri-auricular pathologies.

Patients and methods: This is a 5-year retrospective descriptive study (from May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2023) of the records of patients who consulted for a functional or cosmetic complaint relating to the auricle or periauricular region in the ENT and cervico-facial surgery department of the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sylvanus Olympio.

Results: A total of 159 cases over 5 years, i.e. an annual frequency of 31 cases, met the study criteria. The mean age of the patients was 22.2 years. Children and students accounted for 24.5% and 23.9% of cases respectively. Auricular pathologies accounted for 64.8% of cases and peri-auricular pathologies for 36.2%.Tumors and trauma accounted for 33.3% and 29.6% of cases respectively, and congenital pathologies were found in 29.9% of cases. Among traumatic lesions, intentional assault and battery was the cause in 21.3%, followed by road accidents in 17.2%. The right ear was affected in 48% and the lobule in 40.4%. Keloids accounted for 17.6% of all cases, and 53% of tumors and pseudotumors. The left ear was involved in 50% of cases. Piercing was the cause of keloids in 10.7% of cases.

Conclusion: Auricular and peri-auricular pathologies were dominated by benign tumors, trauma and congenital pathologies, and involved young subjects. Management is based on the type of lesion, with functional and aesthetic considerations in mind.