Microtia Reconstruction With Costal Cartilage: How I do it?

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Microtia correction involves creating an ear framework from autologous costal cartilage and covering it with local skin.
• Achieving satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes requires meticulous surgical technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share extensive surgical experience in microtia correction.
• To provide guidance on mastering cartilage framework sculpting and skin coverage techniques.
• To help accelerate the learning curve for surgeons performing microtia reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Sculpting an autologous costal cartilage framework to match the contralateral ear's contours.
• Utilizing available local tissue for skin coverage over the cartilage framework.
• Detailed description of surgical steps and strategies based on 40 years of experience and over 3000 cases.

Main Results:

• Successful microtia correction relies on both framework creation and skin coverage.
• Complications in skin coverage can lead to difficult-to-correct poor outcomes.
• A clear strategic vision and precise case application are crucial for success.

Conclusions:

• Mastery of skin coverage is paramount in microtia correction surgery.
• Sharing surgical experience can significantly aid less experienced surgeons.
• This "How I do it?" approach aims to improve learning efficiency in ear reconstruction.