title: High ear-piercing: an increasingly popular procedure with serious complications. Is good clinical practice exercised?
abstract: This study aimed to explore the current practice of performing high ear-piercing regarding consent protocols, and methods of practice using questionnaire-based survey in Hertfordshire and North London. Recommendations for good clinical practice are also made. 100 establishments performing ear piercing were identified. A 16-item questionnaire on techniques used, methods of high-ear piercing, methods of sterilization, consent issues and aftercare was completed. Seventy-six establishments agreed to participate. All practitioners prepared the skin before piercing. 58 (76%) used a needle for piercing, 11 (15%) used a spring-loaded gun and seven (9%) used both. 97% of the practitioners obtained written consent before proceeding. 9 (12%) had a lower age limit of 16 years and three (4%) of 18 years. 27 piercers (36%) provided an aftercare leaflet, 41 (54%) warned the patients about risks of infection, 16 (21%) warned about cosmetic deformity and 1 (1%) specifically mentioned cauliflower ear. Results indicated that high ear piercing is an invasive procedure with a significant risk of complications leading to cosmetic deformity. Establishments should be required to counsel patients properly about the risks and potential complications of the procedure. A code of practice should be drawn up with a minimum age for piercing, requirement for proper consent, excellent hygiene and good information for postoperative care.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, Lister Hospital, Coreys Mill Lane, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4AB, UK.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wasson
authors.forename: Nilantha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: DeZoysa
authors.forename: Petros V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Vlastarakos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D004423:Ear / Q000601:surgery*; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology