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Reconstruction of Cutaneous Defects of the Ear Using the Post-Auricular Reservoir: A Systematic Review
Background:
An approach to the reconstruction of the ear requires consideration of gross anatomy, blood supply, and size of the defect to select the repair. While skin grafts provide a convenient option for many helical and conchal defects, using posterior auricular reservoir can preserve ear contour and hide the scar for an aesthetic closure.
Purpose:
To illustrate the versatility of the post-auricular and mastoid skin reservoir for auricular repairs after surgical removal of a cutaneous malignancy.
Data Sources:
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases were searched for all techniques using a post-auricular approach for auricular repair of surgical defects in the context of cutaneous oncology until November 2019.
Data Synthesis:
The most well-described techniques of pull-through, post-auricular pedicle and Banner flaps were selected for in-depth review. Illustrative cases and a summary of the spectrum of techniques from case reports are provided.
Limitations:
Few randomized trials exist to compare the outcomes of the flaps to determine a preferred flap technique.
Conclusions:
A post-auricular approach for repair of auricular defects can provide a reasonable option for single and multi-staged closure to create an excellent aesthetic outcome while hiding the donor site. More prospective data is required to determine the overall best approach. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(9):883-888. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5106.
