Maria Barbara Heinz1, Frank Hölzle2, Alireza Ghassemi3. 1. Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: mheinz@ukaachen.de. 2. Head and Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany. 3. Consultant, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Different methods for auricular reconstruction have been introduced over time. To minimize stress on the flap and offer an excellent wound control, the anterior pedicled retroauricular flap (APRF) was described in 2012. It offers an excellent alternative for reconstructing different parts of the ear helix. The authors also apply the APRF to repair centrally located perforating defects of the ear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The APRF was used to reconstruct nonhelical full-thickness defects of the auricle in 11 patients. The operations were performed under local anesthesia and in an ambulatory setting in 3 operative steps. RESULTS: The repair of full-thickness conchal defects was successfully performed in 11 patients, with good esthetic outcome, minimal donor site morbidity, and high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: An APRF from the postauricular area is a simple and effective method to reconstruct a full-thickness non-marginal auricular defect.
PURPOSE: Different methods for auricular reconstruction have been introduced over time. To minimize stress on the flap and offer an excellent wound control, the anterior pedicled retroauricular flap (APRF) was described in 2012. It offers an excellent alternative for reconstructing different parts of the ear helix. The authors also apply the APRF to repair centrally located perforating defects of the ear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The APRF was used to reconstruct nonhelical full-thickness defects of the auricle in 11 patients. The operations were performed under local anesthesia and in an ambulatory setting in 3 operative steps. RESULTS: The repair of full-thickness conchal defects was successfully performed in 11 patients, with good esthetic outcome, minimal donor site morbidity, and high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: An APRF from the postauricular area is a simple and effective method to reconstruct a full-thickness non-marginal auricular defect.