title: Reconstruction after extirpation of the auricle.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to introduce the procedure and results of a combined free flap reconstruction with an external ear prosthesis after tumor extirpation from the lateral side of the head. Over the last 3 years, four patients have undergone total auricle extirpation for varying tumor processes. Each was reconstructed with a radial forearm flap, preserving the external auditory meatus. After primary healing and adjuvant therapy, a prosthetic pinna was applied. Combined use of microsurgical techniques with a prosthetic ear has produced an aesthetically superior result for large soft-tissue defects of the side of the head. This combined technique is able to provide the best aspects of both microsurgical and prosthetic reconstructions for a superior result for the patient.
authors.affiliation: Charlotte Plastic Surgery, NC 28262, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Finical
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D019990:Perioperative Care; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps