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Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Maintaining ear aesthetics in helical rim reconstruction
James M Taylor1, Ruchika Rajan, John K Dickson
1From the *Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter; †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth; and ‡Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|December 18, 2012
Summary
This modified surgical technique for helical rim defects effectively reduces ear cupping and prominence, leading to high patient satisfaction after tumor resection.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Wedge resections of the helical rim can cause significant ear deformity, including a smaller, cupped, and prominent ear.
- A modified technique involves scaphal wedge resection without concha extension, followed by helical rim advancement.
- This method is particularly suitable for peripheral helical rim defects in the middle third.
Observation:
- The modified surgical technique was applied to 12 patients undergoing pinna reconstruction post-tumor resection.
- Key measurements included free cartilaginous helical rim length, resected rim length, and ear projection.
- Patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analog scale.
Findings:
- The resected helical rim averaged 23.84% of the total length.
- A mean increase in ear projection of 6.42 mm was observed.
- A high aesthetic outcome was reported, with a mean visual analog scale score of 9.08.
Implications:
- This technique offers an effective solution for helical rim deformities, minimizing undesirable ear cupping and prominence.
- It provides a favorable aesthetic outcome and high patient satisfaction compared to conventional wedge resections.
- The findings support this modified approach for reconstructive surgery of the ear's helical rim.
