Total reconstruction of the ear with auditory function: a two stage procedure

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Severe microtia and anotia present significant challenges in restoring both cosmetic form and auditory function.
• Optimal treatment requires close collaboration between plastic surgeons and otologists, which is often lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel two-stage surgical procedure for total ear reconstruction.
• To integrate the restoration of both external ear form and hearing function.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage surgical approach is detailed, involving tympanoplasty before cartilage framework transplantation in Stage I.
• Stage II includes auricle elevation and full-thickness skin grafting for the post-auricular defect.

Main Results:

• The described procedure facilitates the reconstruction of the external ear with improved aesthetic and functional outcomes.
• Specific modifications to operative techniques are discussed to enhance surgical success.

Conclusions:

• This integrated approach offers a viable solution for complex ear reconstruction cases.
• Emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive ear restoration.