RESUMO
AIMS: In this article, we would like to present our experience in total ear reconstruction for microtic ear patients. BACKGROUND: Partial and total ear reconstruction is one of the most challenging reconstruction procedures in plastic surgery. Ear reconstruction is performed in cases of congenital malformations such as anotia or microtia. In addition, the reconstruction can be performed in a variety of other acquired malformation such as burns, trauma or after skin tumor removal. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. Microtic ear patients who underwent operations between 2000 and 2017 were included in the study. Patients were closely followed for at least one year. Data collection and surgical complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were operated on; 102 patients were males and 48 were women. For 85 patients, the microtic ear was on the right, for 60 patients on the left and 5 patients had bilateral microtic ears. The age of patients ranged from 8 to 41 years and about 85% of the patients were between 8-12 years of age. The postoperative complications included: partial skin necrosis in 6(4%) patients, infections in 2(1.3%) patients, 12 (8%) of the patients suffered from pneumothorax, hypertrophic scars in the chest developed in 37(24.5%) patients, cartilage exposure in 12(8%) patients, exposed metal sutures in 25 patients(16.6%) and chest deformity in 2 (1.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Auricle reconstruction with autogenous costal cartilage is the most common treatment for microtic ear. Meticulous planning, proper surgical skills and precise sculpting of the anatomical structures are necessary in order to reach a desired outcome and avoid complications.
