Total auricular reconstruction without skin grafting

Abstract

Successful ear reconstruction depends on two factors: an ear framework and the skin covering the framework. However, the relative deficiency of skin for coverage of the cartilage framework remains an issue. This new method for total auricular reconstruction is a three-stage operation and involves the use of two tissue expanders. First, two skin expanders are implanted, one underneath the scalp and the other sited behind the microtic ear. At the second stage, after lobule transposition, the two expanded skin flaps (upper and lower) and mastoid fascial flap are raised. At the same time, the autogenous rib cartilage is harvested and the framework constructed. The cartilage framework is then anchored between the upper expanded skin flap and the fascial flap with its inferior pole inserted into the rotated earlobe. The upper expanded skin flap covers the whole anterior surface of the framework and drapes over the margins of the fascial flap, which wrap the framework from beneath. The raw surface of fascial flap is covered with the lower expanded skin flap. The formation of a pseudomeatus and tragus is performed at the third stage. Deficiency of skin is the major problem encountered with the other conventional methods. Our innovations using two tissue expanders in combination with an autogenous rib cartilage framework eliminate this problem completely.