Tunnelized preauricular transposition flap for reconstruction of auricular defect.
BACKGROUND
Reconstruction of surgical defects of the auricular region is a complex challenge, especially when they are localized in the anterior surface, due to the convexities and concavities of this region.


RESULTS
The authors present the case of an 89-year-old woman who underwent radical excision of basal cell carcinoma localized in the left scapha. The reconstruction of the resulting defect was performed using a preauricular transposition flap tunnelized through a cartilaginous fistula created at the crus helicis. The flap was deepithelialized at its base to allow the closure in a single step. The donor site was primarily closed. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia without complications and with acceptable aesthetic results.


CONCLUSIONS
There are various surgical procedures described for the reconstruction of the anterior auricle, including local flaps, skin grafts and even healing by secondary intention. The authors consider the tunnelized preauricular transposition flap a good option especially when compared to interpolated flaps, since it allows a reconstruction in a single surgical step with decreased morbidity and favorable cosmetic results.
Department of Dermatology, Coimbra University Hospital , Coimbra , Portugal.
Neide
N
Pereira
Ana
A
Brinca
Ricardo
R
Vieira
Américo
A
Figueiredo
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*