[Reconstruction of loss of substance on the nose by composite auricular grafts. Apropos of 30 cases].

The authors report 31 cases of nasal reconstruction by composite grafts taken from the ear. Tissue loss concerned the base of the ala (10 cases), the free edges of the ala (15 cases), the nasal tip (3 cases) and the whole of the ala (3 cases). The graft was taken essentially from the root of the helix or from the retro-auricular region. All grafts contained cartilage. Eight vascular flaps were made in order to increase the surface area of contact with the graft. No complete necrosis and five partial necroses were observed. Each of these cases of partial necrosis, were able to be repaired surgically. No side effects at the donor site were observed in 26 patients. The composite graft is a simple and reliable method of nose reconstruction.