Clinical Application Of A Two-stage Technique Of Performing "Single Expanded Flap" Auricular Reconstruction

Objective The aim of this article is to research the clinical application of the two-stage technique of performing "single expanded flap" auricular reconstruction,discuss the postoperative results and the advances of this technique,and hope to provide more superior therapies for patients with auricular defects.Methods From March 2014 to November 2019,a total of 28 patients accepted this technique for auricular reconstruction.This technique includes two stages.In the first stage,a 80ml kidney-shaped expander was inserted in the retroauricular mastoid region.In the second stage,after the expander was removed,the autogenous costal cartilage was harvested and ear framework was sculptured.Then the cartilage framework was wrapped by the expanded skin flap.Tragus reconstruction and lobule transposition were also performed in this stage.Results All patients were followed up for 1 to 20 months after operation.Most of them achieved satisfying results.The reconstructed ears had good shape,stable structure,clear outline,suitable color and invisible scars.The position,orientation and auriculocephalic angle were also symmetric.Among the 28 cases,one had poor blood supply,one had unsatisfied auriculocephalic angle,two asked for further improvement.Conclusions The two-stage technique of performing“single expanded flap”auricular reconstruction is an ideal method to treat patients with auricular defects.With no need of fascia flap transplantation and skin graft,this method bring less and more invisible scars.This method can also shorten treatment time,thus reducing patients’ trauma and financial burden.