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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Single-stage reconstruction of auricle defects using periauricular pedicled skin flaps
YuNing Sun1, MaoGang Sun1, EnDong Zhang1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Weihai Municipal Second Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Shandong, China.
Background:
Partial auricle defects from lesion excision or trauma pose reconstruction challenges, often leading to cosmetic issues and psychological distress.
Objectives:
To evaluate the effectiveness of single-stage repair of partial auricular defects using periauricular pedicled flaps, and to assess the efficacy and precautions associated with this technique.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 29 patients (29 ears) with partial auricular defects 27 due to lesion excision and 2 due to trauma was conducted. Patients aged 5 to 75 years (mean age: 40.1), included 12 females and 17 males, with defects involving various auricular areas and sizes from 10 mm × 10 mm to 25 mm × 50 mm. Surgical techniques included local random flaps (12 cases), postauricular revolving door island flaps (8 cases), and a combination (9 cases). Follow-up lasted 6 to 24 months.
Results:
All defects were successfully closed. Cosmetic outcomes were highly satisfactory, with restored contour and no significant deformities. Most cases healed without complications; two minor issues were resolved with short-term treatment. No major complications such as necrosis or infection occurred. Long-term outcomes were stable, with consistent healing.
Conclusion:
Periauricular pedicled flaps provide an effective singel-stage solution for partial auricular defects, yielding favorable aesthetic outcomes and minimal complications, supporting its clinical adoption.
