Application of both over-expanded cutaneous flap and temporal superficial fascia flap in ear reconstruc- tion with Medpor

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility and results of the application of both ex panded cutaneous flap and temporoparietal fascia flap in total ear reconstruction with Medpor frame- work. Methods The main procedures consisted of three stages： stage Ⅰ-skin expansion, stage Ⅱ-auri cle formation that consisted of orientation of Medpor implant and creation of coverage for the implant by both expaned skin flap and temporoparietal fascia flap, and stage Ⅲ-treatment of residual ear and reeontruction of aurieular lobule. Results Twenty-two ears in 22 unilateral microtia patients were constructed using Medpor implants covered with both expanded cutaneous flap and temporoparietal fascia flap over the last three years, and they were accepted as pleasing by the patients. Conclusions Application of both expanded cutaneous flap and temporoparietal fascia flap can assure no extrusion of Medpor implant in ear reconstruction. Further more, the two layers of transferred tissues will not af fect the profile details of the reconstructed ear. And because the skin covering the framework and fas- cia is derived from frommastoid region, the appearance and profile of the reconstructed auricle is true to nature and close to that of the opposite one. Key words: Over-expanded; Fascia flap; Medpor; Ear reconstruction