title: Reconstruction of the external auditory canal using a super-thin superficial circumflex iliac perforator flap after tumour resection.
abstract: Reconstruction of the external auditory canal (EAC) after resection of carcinoma has become widely performed in combination with tympanoplasty to retain hearing ability, thus improving quality of life. Although skin grafting has been commonly performed, stenosis, infection and delayed wound healing often occur postoperatively. Local flaps can cause less stenosis, but the size and mobility are limited. For preventing stenosis and osteoradionecrosis after postoperative radiation, super-thin as well as durable resurfacing is required. We present two cases of reconstruction of the EAC using a super-thin free superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) flap. The flap was elevated as a super-thin flap primarily and inset into the defect as a tube. The flap survived completely without stenosis, infection or osteoradionecrosis even after postoperative radiation therapy. As this flap can securely cover the important structures, causes less stenosis and can endure postoperative radiation therapy, we believe that this method could be an option for reconstruction after resection of EAC cancers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. tiida7tky@hotmail.co.jp
authors.forename: Takuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iida
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mihara
authors.forename: Hidehiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yoshimatsu
authors.forename: Mitsunaga
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Narushima
authors.forename: Isao
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Koshima
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology