The bi-pedicle post-auricular tube flap for reconstruction of partial ear defects

Reconstruction of partial ear defects represents a difficult challenge to the plastic surgeon, due to the delicate and intricate architecture of the chondrocutaneous sandwich of the external ear. These defects could be the result of laceration and avulsion injuries, animal and human bites, burns and tumour excision. Since its introduction to the plastic surgery field, by Gillies, in 1917, tube flaps have been successfully used to reconstruct many defects. Although, in the past two decades, tube flaps have been replaced by the more modern single-stage reconstruction techniques, it still represents an excellent tool for reconstruction of partial ear defects. We present three cases of reconstruction of partial ear defects using a modified two-stage post-auricular tube flap technique, which is simple and reliable technique with good aesthetic outcome.