Reconstructive Procedures of the Auricular Concha after Cutaneous Oncologic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Reconstructing the auricular concha after skin cancer removal is challenging due to anatomical constraints.
• Current literature lacks clear guidelines favoring specific reconstructive techniques for this area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare reconstructive techniques for the conchal bowl.
• To evaluate complications and aesthetic outcomes of different methods.
• To identify optimal reconstructive procedures for the auricular concha.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, SciELO, CENTRAL).
• Inclusion of twelve studies evaluating various reconstructive techniques.
• Qualitative synthesis of data on complications and aesthetics.

Main Results:

• The revolving door flap demonstrated low risks of necrosis, infection, and bleeding, with superior aesthetic results.
• Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) were identified as a potential alternative.
• Other techniques included full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG), second intention healing, preauricular translocation flap, and local flaps.

Conclusions:

• The revolving door flap is suggested as the preferred method for auricular concha reconstruction post-oncologic surgery.
• STSG can be considered an alternative option.
• Further high-quality research is necessary due to study limitations like small sample sizes and potential bias.