Retrospective study of the long-term results of otoplasty using a modified Mustardé (cartilage-sparing) technique.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term results and the complication rates of a cartilage-sparing otoplasty technique.


METHODS
In our study, patients who had undergone otoplasty from 1990 to 2002 inclusively were evaluated retrospectively. The study consisted of a chart review and a telephone survey. The minimum follow-up for patients was 5 years.


METHODS
The main outcome measures were long-term satisfaction rates, early complications, late complications, and rate of revisional procedures. A detailed description of the surgical technique is included.


RESULTS
The overall long-term satisfaction rate was 95.7%. Early complications (< 1 month) included one case of bleeding (1.0%) and five cases of asymmetry (4.9%) between both ears, two of which required reoperations. One case of early unilateral recurrence was noted owing to trauma inflicted by another child (1.0%) and necessitated a revisional procedure. Late complications (> 1 month) included five cases (4.8%) of suture granulomas/extrusions, three (2.9%) keloids, and one case of hypertrophic scarring (1.0%). Seven cases of partial recurrence of the deformity (10.3%) were noted, six of which were unilateral and one of which was bilateral, none requiring reoperation. There was only one case of overcorrection of the deformity (1.4%). Three cases within the sample of 104 patients underwent reoperation, yielding a 2.9% rate of revision procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
On long-term follow-up, the otoplasty technique used in our institution yields a high satisfaction rate and a low complication rate.
Olivier
Beaudoin
B
Otolaryngology Department, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada.
Mohammad
Hamid
H
Christian
Ahmarani
A
Akram
Rahal
R
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques