The External Auricular Reconstruction with Inferior Based Retroauricular Flap Including the Posterior Auricular Artery

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The external ear is a common area of trauma on the body prone to exposure of ultraviolet light, which can lead to skin cancer. Thus, variable techniques have been developed and used for reconstruction of the external ear. The aim of this study is to review the surgical method, its area of application, as well as advantages and pitfalls of reconstruction of the external ear with inferior based retroauricular flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients underwent external ear reconstruction with inferior based retroauricular flap for external ear defects in our institute from September 2012 to June 2015. According to the area of the defect, patients were classified as middle 1/3 (n=4), inferior 1/3 (n=2), superior auroculo-cephalic sulcus (n=1), and external auditory canal (n=1). RESULTS: All of the flaps survived the operation and there was no marginal necrosis. Mean size of the defect was 2.8×1.8 cm and mean size of the retroauricular flap was 5×2 cm. For insetting of the flap, a subcutaneous tunneling technique was used in 6 cases and rotation without subcutaneous tunneling was used in 2 cases. Transient paresthesia occurred in 3 cases. Two cases recovered within 3 months but one case did not recover until 6 months. CONCLUSION: The inferior based retroauricular flap is an available technique in external ear reconstruction with one stage operation.