Autologous Costochondral Microtia Reconstruction.
Reconstruction with autologous costochondral cartilage is one of the mainstays of surgical management of congenital microtia. We review the literature, present our current technique for microtia reconstruction with autologous costochondral graft, and discuss the evolution of our technique over the past 20 years. We aim to minimize donor site morbidity and create the most durable and natural appearing ear possible using a stacked framework to augment the antihelical fold and antitragal-tragal complex. Assessment of outcomes is challenging due to the paucity of available objective measures with which to evaluate aesthetic outcomes. Various instruments are used to assess outcomes, but none is universally accepted as the standard. The challenges we continue to face are humbling, but ongoing work on tissue engineering, application of 3D models, and use of validated questionnaires can help us get closer to achieving a maximal aesthetic outcome.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Sapna A
SA
Patel
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Amit D
AD
Bhrany
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.
Craig S
CS
Murakami
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Kathleen C Y
KC
Sie
D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D065817:Congenital Microtia / Q000601:surgery*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011182:Postoperative Care; D057234:Preoperative Period; D012272:Ribs; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous