A Retrospective Study of Ear Reconstruction of Microtia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Materials for ear reconstruction are autogeneous cartilage and artificial implants. Despite their potential for donor site complications, autogeneous cartilage frameworks remain the accepted standard for external ear reconstruction. The purposes of this study were to investigate our ear reconstruction cases for 12 years. METHODS: During twelve years from January 1996 to December 2008, 70 patients visited our hospital for ear reconstruction of microtia. Among them, 65 cases used autogenous cartilage frameworks, 3 cases used tissue expander and 2 cases used artificial implants. We investigated sex & age, common site, combined malformation, operation methods & their complications, donor site & their complications, anterior chest wall deformity and aesthetic evaluation. RESULTS: Males were affected more often than females. Male to female ratio was 1.81. The common site of microtia was right ear(72%). And hemifacial microsomia was the most common associated congenital malformation. Surgical techniques included Tanzer-Ruecker method, Tissue-expander and Artificial framework(Medpore(R)). Incidence of complication was higher with Tissue-expander & artificial framework than with Tanzer-Ruecker method. But There are few reports of using Tissue-expander & artificial framework and there was no acceptable statistical difference. And costal cartilage was harvested in ipsilateral side and anterior chest wall deformity reported only 2 cases under 10 year-old patients. Other minor complications reported such as, wound disruption and chest wall scar, but without any serious complications. Aesthetic result was evaluated by surgeons and patients for postoperative satisfaction and clinical evaluation. CONCLUSION: In ear reconstruction of microtia patient, delicate surgical strategy is important for natural shape and maintenance of postoperative contour. However, many methods were introduced for reconstrucion of microtia, the authors reconstructed an auricle in Tanzer-Ruecker method, Tissue-expander and Artificial famework(Medpore(R)) for 70 patients. In our study, we generally chose Tanzer-Ruecker method and this treatment modality was satisfactory for patients and the postoperative result was acceptable for surgeons.