title: [Autologous composite grafts from the cavum conchae for reconstruction of multilayer nasal defects].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Autologous transplants comprising skin and cartilage, so-called composite grafts (cgs), are an important reconstructive tool for multilayered defects of the nose. A cg from the auricular cavum conchae needs to fulfill both functional and esthetic demands.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article illustrates the indications for and requirements of cgs, and also investigates graft healing and functional-aesthetic results. The current publication is a review article; the original data were published with the award of the 2014 APKO prize under the title "The auricle's cavum conchae composite graft in nasal reconstruction".
  
  
  METHODS
  At the ENT department of Ulm University Medical School, multilayered defects of different nasal esthetic subunits are reconstructed with cgs. Based on these experiences, the authors report on long-term functional and esthetic results in the areas of the donor and recipient sites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Auricular cgs are versatile and reliable autologous transplants. The ease of harvesting, minimal donor site morbidity, and stable convex shape of these grafts render them ideal for reconstruction of multilayered nasal defects. Septal splints and custom-made prosthesis promote healing and prevent stenotic scarring.
authors.affiliation: Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Frauensteige 12, 89075, Ulm, Deutschland. Melanie.Nordmann@uniklinik-ulm.de.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nordmann
authors.affiliation: Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Frauensteige 12, 89075, Ulm, Deutschland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Veit
authors.affiliation: Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Frauensteige 12, 89075, Ulm, Deutschland.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rotter
authors.affiliation: Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Frauensteige 12, 89075, Ulm, Deutschland.
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Frauensteige 12, 89075, Ulm, Deutschland.
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Scheithauer
mesh_terms: D064595:Composite Tissue Allografts; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000637:transplantation*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D063986:Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation / Q000379:methods*; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques
keywords: Autograft; Nasal reconstruction; Nasal surgical procedures; Rhinoplasty; Transplant donor site