Results of ear reconstruction using autologous costal cartilage framework at Viet Duc Hospital

Abstract

Microtia is a congenital disease with various degrees of severity, ranging from the presence of rudimentary and malformed vestigial structures to the total absence of the ear (anotia). The complex anatomy of the external ear and the necessity to provide the good projection and symmetry make this reconstruction become particularly difficult. The aim of this paper is to report our results of ear reconstruction to correct microtia at Viet Duc Hospital. Our technique involves transposing the lobule of auricle, carving a framework that includes the tragus, and constructing the posterior wall by a small piece of rib catilarge, a fascial temporal flap, and a skin graft. The results have been considered satisfactory by all patients starting from the first surgical step until second step. A low complication rate, the good results obtained, and a high rate of patient satisfaction make this technique become one of the best choices for the treatment of microtia.