Indications, Evaluation, Technique and Complications of Otoplasty

Abstract

Protruding ears are one of the most prevalent congenital auricular anomalies, with significant behavioural and psychological consequences. The management of protruding ears has developed over time and currently involves a wide variety of cutting-edge surgical methods. These procedures have undergone constant improvement to maximize aesthetic outcomes while also reducing the necessity of surgical revision. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that uses long-lasting sutures to alter the location, size, or form of the ear. Prominauris, or protruding ears, are the primary indication of otoplasty. Several techniques—almost over 200—are described for otoplasty procedures, among which the majority of technical advancements are only slight adaptations of methods that were first published 40–50 years ago. These procedures are broadly classified as cartilage-cutting or cartilage-sparing procedures. Like any other surgical procedure, otoplasty has related risks and complications; however, they are relatively rare and quite few. The complications of otoplasty can also be classified into early and late complications, depending on the time of presentation. Hematoma, hemorrhage, and postoperative infections, including perichondritis, dehiscence, and skin necrosis, are some of the early complications of otoplasty. Excessive scarring, suture extrusion, hypersensitivity, keloids, and the telephone ear are a few of the late complications. However, overall, otoplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure. The purpose of this research is to review the indication evaluation technique and complications of otoplasty, for which a comprehensive literature search in various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, was performed.