Autologous cartilage microtia reconstruction: Complications and risk factors

The Brent or Nagata techniques of microtia reconstruction and their modifications involve complicated frameworks; therefore, complications are inevitable. The authors aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge regarding the occurrence, development, prognosis, risk factors, and treatment of complications.

This study was a retrospective review of patients who underwent autologous cartilage microtia reconstruction at a single auricular plastic and reconstructive center between March 2005 and June 2016. Custom database software was used to process data from patients with microtia. Details of postoperative complications were collected during follow-up for analysis.

A total of 470 procedures (stage I) were performed on 429 patients. The mean (±SD) age at surgery was 12.27 ± 5.01 years (range, 6-32 years). The mean time to follow-up was 3.67 ± 2.45 years (range, 1-11 years). The complication rate was 2.98% (4/134) with the Brent technique and 12.2% (38/311) with the Nagata technique. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of complications of microtia reconstruction revealed that age, sex, and laterality were not associated with postoperative complications (p > 0.05). Surgical technique affected the incidence of complications. The Nagata technique resulted in a higher risk for complications (OR 6.14 [95% CI 1.63-23.19]; p < 0.01).

The development of complications was a dynamic process. There was a learning curve associated with autologous cartilage microtia reconstruction. Orthopedists or otologists aspiring to master microtia reconstruction should have a fundamental understanding of the procedure and be aware of possible complications.