Our experience in ear reconstruction using the Antia Buch principles

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Presenting our experience with chondrocutaenous flap reconstruction of the ear to obtain more aesthetic results with fewer complications. Background: Satisfactory reconstruction of the ear following a resection of the helix, scapha and anti-helix remains an ongoing problem in plastic surgery. Many techniques had been developed to approach this issue and to minimise the complications raised from resection of tumours as well. However, no studies have yet mentioned specific details of aesthetic outcomes. Methodology: The study is retrospective in design, with accurate description of the ear reconstruction technique and outcomes in series of cases that were performed by the same surgeon on all patients. Twenty patients were included in this study. The collected data included demographics, any post-operative complications, and post-operative measurements of both reconstructed and normal ears. Results: In all cases, all tumours were completely excised with no known post-operative complications such as flap loss, wound infection, dehiscence or haematoma were reported. The mean residual defect was 21.8 mm ranging from 14 mm to maximum of 30 mm in size. The differences in height, width and projection carried the means of 6.8, 4.3 and 3.8 mm respectively. Conclusion: The modified Antia-Buch technique allows preservation of anatomical landmarks and contour of the ear and therefore maintaining normal overall three-dimensional appearance of the reconstructed ear. Reconstruction of 10 mm defects can be confidently performed using this technique with no loss in size. However, due to the potential lobule distortion, we recommend applying this technique to defects only up to 25 mm.