The application of a simple and efficient negative suction system in two-staged microtia reconstruction

Achieving a well-defined auricular contour is a core goal of microtia reconstruction, which highly relies on effective postoperative exudate drainage and stable adhesion between the cartilage framework and overlying skin. This study introduced a simplified, high-efficiency negative pressure suction system for exudate drainage in autogenous rib cartilage microtia reconstruction. The system enables controlled negative pressure suction, facilitating tight adhesion between the cartilage framework and skin. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and postoperative data of patients who underwent microtia reconstruction between January 2021 and August 2025. Enrolled patients were stratified into two groups according to different postoperative negative pressure suction management protocols: the control group received conventional full dressing coverage combined with negative pressure suction, while the experimental group was treated with negative pressure suction without dressing coverage. In total, 190 patients were assigned to the experimental group and 187 to the control group. Postoperative follow-up revealed that the experimental group exhibited a significantly lower complication rate (4.73%vs. 10.70%, P < 0.05) and a markedly higher patient satisfaction rate (96.32%vs. 82.89%, P < 0.05) compared with the control group. In conclusion, the dressing-free negative pressure suction protocol outperforms the traditional full dressing coverage with negative pressure suction in microtia reconstruction, as it reduces postoperative complications and improves patient satisfaction.