[The Antia-Buch flap technique in reconstruction of marginal ear defects].

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ear defect reconstruction using the Antia-Buch flap technique and to compare it to other techniques described in international literature.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We performed 19 Antia-Buch flaps between November 1998 and November 2002: 15 cases after neoplastic treatment and four post-traumatic cases. Defect ranged between 15 and 40 mm. Between 30 and 40 mm, we used Fata's modification. The final assessment took into account patient satisfaction, cosmetic aspect of reconstruction assessed by the medical team, the presence of a notch at the helical rim and the degree of microtia.

RESULTS

All ear reconstructions were successful. No complications were reported. Fata's modification was used for eight patients. All the patients were satisfied with the result in spite of a systematic microtia. The cosmetic aspect was considered as good for 16 patients, average for three. Nine patients presented with a notch at the helical rim.

DISCUSSION: Reconstruction using the Antia-Buch flap is a simple and fast operative technique performed in a single operation under local anesthesia. It allows for a harmonious reconstruction of the helix and auricle with a tissue of same nature, and only a tiny cicatricial ransom, systematic microtia and frequent notch on the helical rim.