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Total auricular repair: bone anchored prosthesis or plastic reconstruction?
T Somers1, J De Cubber, P Govaerts
1Dept of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Antwerp (UIA), Medical Institute Sint Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium.
Acta Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica Belgica
|January 23, 1999
Summary
Patients with an absent auricle have improved rehabilitation options. Both bone-anchored prostheses and total auricular reconstruction offer high satisfaction rates and good outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Advances in implantology, prosthetic materials, and reconstructive surgery enhance auricle rehabilitation.
- Reconstruction of an absent auricle presents unique challenges in patient management and surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the management and surgical results for 62 patients with an absent auricle.
- To compare prosthetic and reconstructive approaches for auricular rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five patients received bone-anchored prostheses (epitheses).
- Twenty-seven patients underwent total auricular reconstruction using the Brent or Nagata techniques.
Main Results:
- Epithesis surgery is straightforward with minimal risks when osseointegration is maintained; patients reported high satisfaction.
- The Nagata technique for auricular reconstruction offers advantages over the Brent technique, including fewer operative stages and improved definition.
- Surgical outcomes for total auricular reconstruction improved with experience, becoming more predictable.
Conclusions:
- Both prosthetic and reconstructive methods provide effective solutions for patients with an absent auricle.
- Bone-anchored prostheses offer a safe and satisfying option with manageable side effects.
- The Nagata technique represents an advancement in total auricular reconstruction, offering improved efficiency and aesthetic results.