Auricular Composite Tissue Flap for Repairing Nasal Ala Defect / 昆明医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the effects of repairing nasal ala defects by free transplantation of autogenous auricle composite tissue flap. Methods 50 cases with nasal ala defects were repaired by free auricular composite tissue flap transplantation from Janu 2003 to May 2013. The defects size was 0.5cm x 0.7cm~1.3cm x 1.5cm. According to the size of the defects, full thick wedge-shaped auricle composite tissue flap were cut off, then inserted into the nasal ala defects area and fixed stablely, the donor sites were sutured directly avoiding ear cartilage. Salvianolate and hyperbaric oxygen were used in postoperative treatment for 5-7 days. Results 48 cases achieved good results, 2 cases had partial necrosis of composite tissue flap after operation, also achieved good results after reoperation. Over 3 months~5 years follow-up, all cases had satisfactory results. The volume of auricle composite tissue flap reduced less than 10%. Surgical incisions had a linear scar, good color matching, nostril symmetry. All patients were satisfied with the overall appearance. Conclusions Autogenous auricle composite tissue flap free transplantation for repairing middle and small size of nasal ala defects can recover ala formation and structure very well, nasal appearance can be improved greatly with nostril symmetry. There is no hypertrophic scar in donor sites. This method is simple and easy,and is also a good method for repairing nasal ala defects.