Autologous Ear Reconstruction-beginners perspective

The construction of an auricle from autologous tissue is highly complex and demanding for a reconstructive surgeon. Thanks to the our enthusiasm and acquaintance with leading experts in the field of ear reconstruction; Professor Siegert and Dr. Magritz, in the beginning of 2016. we began to use their technique in Croatia, a first in Southeast Europe. We are honored to have done the first two procedures with dr. Magritz and that he has helped us countless times later with his advice. A combination of a small country and rare pathology did not promise a great start with something completely new. The aim of this work is to report our surgical experience of microtic ear correction from a beginners perspective. The learning curve is extremely long and small problems may seem insurmountable at first, absent previous experience or even someone nearby to ask.

From January 2016. to October 2017., 22 patients affected by microtia or posttraumatic defect of the ear were treated at the Department of otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center „Sestre milosrdnice“ Zagreb. The patient population consisted of 10 women and 12 men, aged from 9 to 48 years. A total of 22 reconstructions have been performed in two surgical stages based on the modified Nagata technique as taught by the experts from Recklinghausen. It was done as a first stage procedure in 13 patients, as a revision procedure in 5 patients treated elsewhere previously and as a posttraumatic reconstruction procedure in four cases. All reconstructions were performed without any major complications. The results have been considered satisfactory by all patients. The surgeon's experience and postoperative patient care must be considered as essential aspects of treatment.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)