Long-term outcome of the Hong Kong vascularized, pedicled temporalis fascia flap in reconstruction of mastoid cavity.
OBJECTIVE
The vascularized, pedicled temporalis fascia flap (Hong Kong flap) is an established procedure in the reconstruction of the mastoid cavity. The long-term outcome and complications have not been studied. We set out to appraise this procedure in our study.


METHODS
The clinical records of 302 ears that had the Hong Kong flap procedure from 1987 to 2006 were retrospectively studied. The study reviewed the otologic complaints leading to Hong Kong flap, the number and findings of the second or more looks, analysis of procedures year by year, time to achieve a dry ear, and the complications.


RESULTS
The main otologic complaint leading to use of the Hong Kong flap is otorrhoea. The number of Hong Kong flap procedures has decreased in recent years. Twenty-one percent had second or more looks after the procedure. Forty percent of the mastoid cavities at the second look were found to have residual or recurrent cholesteatoma. It takes a median of 2 months to achieve a dry ear after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the Hong Kong flap procedure is simple and desirable for mastoid reconstruction to achieve a safe and dry cavity with few complications.
Hung
Terry
T
Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. terryhung@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
Leung
Natalie
N
van Hasselt
C Andrew
CA
Liu
Kwok Chung
KC
Tong
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005205:Fascia / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome