A New Microtia Reconstruction Method Using Delayed Postauricular Skin Flap.

BACKGROUND

This article presents a new microtia reconstruction method using a delayed postauricular skin flap.

METHODS

The surgery is scheduled in three stages, the first of which delays the postauricular skin flap and deals with the remnant auricle. Three weeks later, the second stage is carried out. An erect, three-dimensional ear framework fabricated from autogenous rib cartilage is inserted between two flaps. The anterior auricular surface of the framework is draped with the delayed skin flap, and the postauricular surface is draped with postauricular fascia and overlying grafted skin. Six months later, the third stage reconstructs the tragus and shapes a hollow mimicking the external auditory meatus, and locally improves the reconstructed auricle.

RESULTS

Ninety-six cases of microtia were reconstructed using the delayed skin flap. All ear reconstructions were successful, with good locations, sizes, and shapes, with few complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' method enables an adequately large, thin skin flap with sufficient blood supply, and also appropriately manages the remnant auricle. A delayed postauricular skin flap with a three-dimensional autologous costal cartilage framework represents a promising approach to microtia reconstruction.