Primary reconstruction of the external ear after tumor resections

Purpose:

The incidence of non-melanotic skin tumors has increased 2 – 3 fold over the last 30 years. Due to direct sun exposure these tumors are most frequently found in the head and neck area and surgical resection remains the first line treatment. The postoperative reconstruction of the external ear often poses a great challenge due to its complex anatomical structure and its cosmetic significance. Local and regional flaps provide good cosmetic results, which we would like to present.

Material and Methods:

In-house, retrospective evaluation of cases with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the external ear over the last four years (01/2014 – 11/2018).

Results:

In total 19 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 17 cases of basal cell carcinoma of the external ear were surgically excised. Methods of reconstruction were: chondrocutaneous helical rim advancement flap (11 cases), posterior island or rotation flap (11 cases), transposition flap (1 case) and full-thickness skin graft (8 cases). The remaining cases healed by secondary wound healing. In 2 cases there was a flap necrosis (island flap), which was revised in one case.

Conclusion:

For defects smaller than 2/3 of the auricle, reconstruction with local/regional flaps does provide good cosmetic results. Surgery under local anesthesia is usually well tolerated. Postoperative complications are rare and mostly tolerable.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)