Does Postauricular Incision Cause Auricula Protrusion After Tympanoplasty?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Techniques
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• The postauricular approach is a common surgical method for ear procedures.
• Other approaches include transcanal and endaural methods.
• Surgeon preference often dictates the approach used.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the postauricular approach in ear surgery causes long-term auricular protrusion.
• To assess the aesthetic outcomes related to ear projection after postauricular incision.

Main Methods:

• A study included 36 patients who underwent tympanoplasty using a postauricular incision.
• Exclusion criteria included age under 18, pre-existing auricular deformities, and mastoidectomy.
• Measurements of the distance from the mastoid area to the helix were taken preoperatively and one year postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 36 patients (13 males, 23 females; mean age 28.2 years) showed no statistically significant difference in measurements.
• Preoperative distances to the superior helix and mid-helix were 15.03±2.86 mm and 17.92±2.96 mm, respectively.
• Postoperative distances at one year were 14.67±3.12 mm and 17.25±3.17 mm, showing no significant change.

Conclusions:

• Despite cutting structures stabilizing the auricle during postauricular sulcus incision, no auricular protrusion was observed.
• Long-term follow-up indicates that the postauricular approach is safe regarding ear projection.
• The study suggests that the postauricular approach does not negatively impact the aesthetic projection of the auricle.