Total reconstruction of the ear with auditory function: a two stage procedure.

The rational treatment of severe microtia or anotia should be to restore not only the form but also the auditory function of the ear. To achieve this aim it is obvious that plastic surgeons must co-operate closely with an otologist: yet this degree of co-operation is seldom seen. This paper describes a two-stage procedure for total ear reconstruction with auditory function. In stage I, a tympanoplasty is performed before transplantation of the carved cartilage framework. Stage II consists of elevation of the reconstructed auricle and transplantation of a full-thickness skin graft to the post-auricular defect. Certain modifications of the operative techniques that we have found useful are discussed in detail.