Preauricular Flap Research Articles

Superiorly Based Preauricular Flap for Total Ear Lobe Reconstruction Following a Large Keloid Excision

Superiorly Based Preauricular Flap for Total Ear Lobe Reconstruction Following a Large Keloid Excision

Reconstruction of Partial Defect of Ear in a Tertiary Care Institute.

Auricle is the outward visible part of ear and composed of skin and cartilage. Auricle due to its standout and projected position is more vulnerable to get injured and cause distortion of the facial aesthetics. Reconstruction of the ear defect should be individualized depending on the defect size, location, nearby skin, patient requirement and surgeon experience. To present the results of various reconstructive options for partial ear defect which will aid in decision making among reconstructive options available. Reconstruction was individualized considering the defect size, depth, location, surrounding skin. In upper 1/3 defect reconstructive options include Antia-Buch chondrocutaneous advancement flap, autogenous cartilage with temporoparietal fascial flap, for middle 1/3 defect options include retroauricular soft tissue tube flap, diefenbach procedure, Autogenous cartilage graft and temporoparietal fascial flap, for lower 1/3 defect reconstructive options include pre auricular flap, triangular repair method, Zenteno Alanis technique. Reconstruction with various techniques results in aesthetically good outcomes. There is no major complication seen in any patient. Reconstruction of ear defect with various options available has good outcome. Planning is important part in reconstruction process. Reconstructive option chosen for a ear defect should be individualized depending on patient characteristics, surgeon experience.

Comparative study of pre- and postauricular flaps for external auditory canal defect reconstruction

BackgroundMalignancies involving the external auditory canal deserve critical evaluation due to this area's aesthetic and functional importance. Flaps can be very useful for the restoration of the external auditory canal. A variety of flaps available for the surgical treatment of external acoustic meatus defects exist, depending on the precise location and size. ObjectivesOur study aimed to compare aesthetic and functional results in the postoncological reconstruction of external auditory canal defects using a preauricular flap and postauricular revolving door flap. MethodsSixteen patients treated at our plastic surgery unit for defects involving the external auditory canal between January 2014 and December 2020 were included in the study. All defects were the result of a primary or secondary skin cancer excision. Patients were divided into two groups, one receiving the preauricular flap technique and the other the postauricular revolving door flap technique. ResultsThree separate visual analog scales reported excellent scores for the two procedures, though the postauricular revolving door flap had slightly better results. Both preauricular flap and postauricular revolving door flap reconstructive techniques showed good options for external auditory canal reconstruction in postexcision skin cancer patients. From an aesthetic point of view, the revolving door flap appeared to be a more elegant surgical approach in this type of reconstruction because the scar was hidden in the postauricular sulcus. ConclusionsReconstruction with a postauricular revolving door flap allowed for a more natural movement with no external pedicle. Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) LevelIV

Reconstruction of constricted ears by combing bilateral cartilage flaps bridging with V-Y advancement flap

Despite a number of surgical procedures for the reconstruction of moderate to severe constricted ears described in the literature, a most cost-effective method remains to be explored. It is still a challenge to maximize the full use of the ear cartilage and surrounding skin while achieving the best results. From 2011 to 2016, seven constricted ear patients were enrolled in this study. Five of them were moderate (type IIB Tanzer classification) deformities, and two were severe (type III Tanzer classification). All constricted ear patients were treated with bilateral cartilage flaps bridging and the V-Y advancement flap from preauricular skin, with the option of inserting a conchal cartilage graft if additional stability was required. Mean follow-up period was 4.0±3.5years. All patients were satisfied with significant increase in the height of the constricted ears, also with the reconstruction of scapha and antihelix. The surgical scar was not obvious. No complications were observed. Long-term follow-up period revealed that the reconstructive procedure produced the long-lasting cosmetic results. Combination of bilateral cartilage flaps bridging with V-Y advancement of preauricular flap can make full use of its deformed tissue and surrounding skin. The method is effective and reliable in the reconstruction of moderate and some severe constricted ears.

Republication de : A one-stage method for external auditory canal reconstruction; the Wessex pre-auricular flap

This technique has been developed with the aim of expanding the well documented pre-auricular flap to help reconstruct pinna lesions that extend into the external auditory canal . This area can be a challenge to reconstruct effectively to minimise morbidity and there are limited published techniques. This flap is a reproducible, one-stage technique that is readily available to most ENT surgeons, avoiding stenosis and allowing for adequate reconstruction of the external auditory canal.

Simultaneous Reconstruction of a Subtotal Maxillectomy and Columella Deficit using Radial Forearm and Preauricular Free Flaps

Reconstruction of subtotal maxillectomy defects with columella deficit is challenging. We report a unique case of facial reconstruction using a free radial forearm flap and a free preauricular flap for the maxillectomy and columella deficit. A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with recurrent sebaceous carcinoma of the nose. We performed wide excision, including areas of the right cheek, nose, upper lip, maxilla, and columella. The resultant subtotal maxillectomy defect was reconstructed using a three-dimensional flap. First, a free radial forearm flap was transfered to resurface the nasal, oral, and external facial side. Second, a preauricular flap was positioned into the columella defect and anastomosed with the distal portion of the radial forearm flap pedicle. The two flaps survived, and the patient recovered uneventfully. We believe the radial forearm and preauricular double free flaps with the pedicle connection method were effective in reconstructing the present case of subtotal maxillectomy defect.

Superficial temporal artery capillary perforator-based island flap for conchal bowl and external auditory canal reconstruction

Reconstruction of the auricle is challenging to surgeons as a result of its complex anatomy. Defects including the conchal bowl and the external auditory canal (EAC) do not accept imperfection as functional consequences may add to aesthetic ones. Local flaps that are relying mainly on posteriorly based auricle flaps do not represent ideal solutions. This study aims to report the perforator modification of an anteriorly based pre-auricular flap that matches all requires goals of reconstruction. From 2015 to 2019, three capillary perforator-based island flaps (c-PBIF), with the Superficial Temporal Artery (STA) as source pedicle, were performed to reconstruct a combined Conchal Bowl-External Auditory Canal (CB-EAC) defect, secondary to basal cell carcinoma resection. Free margins were obtained via the Tubigen micrographic approach. All three flaps were raised on the perforator originating from the superficial temporal pedicle. In 2 of the cases, the perforator was found at the level of the tragus while in the last case, it was found 1cm more distal. Capillary perforators were isolated and dissected down to their origin from the STA thereby increasing their arc of rotation and pliability. The median follow-up time was 4 years. All flaps survived. Aesthetic results were excellent leaving no distortion of the external ear and the hollow aspect of the conchal was well supported. The tragus mount was preserved, EAC lining was secured, and good audition was restored with no bulging of the flap into the canal in all the cases. Harvesting pre-auricular flaps as c-PBIFs are safe and acts as an excellent solution for the reconstruction of the challenging combined CB-EAC defect. It allows a one-stage reconstruction that does not need a secondary revision, it also gives excellent correction and functional results. We would recommend it as a useful option for the reconstruction of the conchal-EAC defects.

A one-stage method for external auditory canal reconstruction; the Wessex pre-auricular flap

This technique has been developed with the aim of expanding the well documented pre-auricular flap to help reconstruct pinna lesions that extend into the external auditory canal. This area can be a challenge to reconstruct effectively to minimise morbidity and there are limited published techniques. This flap is a reproducible, one-stage technique that is readily available to most ENT surgeons, avoiding stenosis and allowing for adequate reconstruction of the external auditory canal.

Role of Pre Auricular Flap in Reconstruction of Acquired Meatal Stenosis Via Endaural Approach.

Acquired meatal stenosis is a difficult entity to treat with a significant recurrence rate. It is normally approached posteriorly via post aural approach and reconstructed using split thickness skin graft. We are presenting a novel method of surgery for acquired meatal stenosis using a pre auricular flap via endaural approach only. The aim was to evaluate the success rate of using a pre auricular flap in acquired atresia of the external auditory canal using the endaural approach. Twenty patients with acquired atresia of the external auditory canal that was surgically treated were retrospectively studied from July 2012 to July 2018. All cases were done using endaural approach only. During the surgery, the atretic tissue was removed, wide canaloplasty done and the stenotic segment widened. Reconstruction of the external auditory canal was done using a pedicled anteriorly based pre auricular flap rotating it into the external auditory canal to cover the bare bone. Of the 20 patrients there were good results in 18 patients with restenosis occurring only in 2 patients. However, a skin tag developed in 2 other patients which was excsiced as OPD procedure and patient was asymptomatic on further follow ups. In all the 20 cases preauricular flap was used for reconstruction along with use of Split thickness skin graft in 10 cases. All 20 cases were operated via endaural route only. Use of a Preauricular flap in surgical treatment of acquired aural stenosis gives good results with a wide dry cavity as the flap is pedicled with its vascular supply and it can be tailor made according to each case and requirement.

Inferiorly Based Preauricular Flap for Anterior Ear Reconstruction.

The anterior aspect of the auricle is a complex 3-dimensional structure. Each anatomical component in this region has an essential role in the aesthetic appearance of the ear and face. The reconstruction of defects in this region is challenging because of the lack of mobile, excess skin for primary closure, and the inability to skin graft overexposed cartilage. The aim of the study was to present the planning and surgical technique of a simple, reproducible, 1-stage flap, for the reconstruction of the anterior aspect of the auricle. A series of 11 patients, who underwent reconstruction of the anterior aspect of the auricle with 1-stage, inferiorly based, preauricular, cutaneous flap. All reconstructions were conducted under local anesthesia, and the defects were mainly due to tumor resections or skin necrosis after otoplasty. The average defect size was 1.5 cm. The flap was applied to different sites of the anterior auricle. All flaps survived except one, where there was partial flap loss. The aesthetic results were excellent, with no auricular deformity. The inferiorly based, preauricular flap is a versatile flap for a safe, simple, and reproducible, 1-stage reconstruction for almost every region of anterior ear defect, with excellent aesthetic results.

Supermicrosurgical reconstruction of nasal tip defects using the preauricular reversed superficial temporal artery flap

Microsurgical reconstruction of nasal tip defects is difficult to achieve. The free composite auricular flap allows for repair in a one-stage procedure. However, anastomosis to the recipient facial artery is often complicated because of its variable anatomy and the need for a vessel graft. In this study, we describe our experience using the alar artery and angular vein as recipient vessels for direct super microsurgical anastomosis. From February 2004 to December 2015, thirty-two patients with different degrees of full-thickness multi-subunit nasal tip defects were included in this study. The superficial temporal vessels, alar artery, and angular vein were marked preoperatively by ultrasound detection. The preauricular reversed superficial temporal artery flap was harvested and transferred to the nasal tip defect region as a free flap using a supermicrosurgical technique. Patient pictures were taken before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow-up. Outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. Moreover, a postoperative patient satisfaction survey was performed. The reversed superficial temporal artery flap was used in a total of 32 patients for the reconstruction of nasal tip defects in a one-stage procedure. In all cases, the alar artery and angular vein showed no anatomical variations and were used as recipient vessels. The size of the harvested preauricular flap size was 2.5×2.0 to 4.0×3.6cm2, and the average flap size was 3.6×2.7cm2. The length of the arterial pedicle was 4.0 to 6.7cm, 5.58cm on average. The length of the venous pedicle was 5.0 to 6.8cm, 6.21cm on average. Direct anastomosis was achieved in all patients, and in none of the cases, a vascular graft was needed. Donor sites were all closed primarily. Flap survival was complete, except for one case of vascular thrombosis, resulting in a 10% flap necrosis. Temporary hematoma was noted in one patient. The postoperative outcome showed excellent functional coverage and improved esthetic appearance. The average follow-up period was 12 months. The majority of patients (98.5%) rated their postoperative outcome as highly improved and improved. No late recurrence or other complications were seen in any of the patients. Twenty-two patients underwent a secondary debulking procedure of the flap for fine adjustment. Our results demonstrate that the alar artery and angular vein are suitable recipient vessels for the super microsurgical reconstruction of nasal tip defects. Surgical planning and procedure are facilitated by their reliable anatomy without the need for a vessel graft. This technique may offer wider applications by extension to other facial cutaneous defects.

Using the Reversed Temporal Island Flap to Cover Small Forehead Defects from Titanium Mesh Exposure After Cranial Reconstruction.

Skin ulcers and alloplastic implant exposure are intractable complications that arise after cranial defect reconstruction. Many methods have been used to repair these defects, including skin grafting, local flaps, and free flaps; however, in most cases, alloplastic implants must be removed to control infections. Here, we describe the use of a reversed temporal island flap to repair exposed titanium mesh without removing it. Eight cases of skin and titanium mesh exposure were included from 2010 to 2015. A preauricular flap pedicled on the reversed superficial temporal artery was designed to repair forehead defects. The titanium mesh was retained, resterilized, and reimplanted. Flaps were survived completely, and the titanium meshes were reimplanted with no complications. The results were aesthetically and functionally sufficient, with minimal donor-site morbidity in all cases during the 10- to 24-month follow-up period. The described method is easy to design and perform. The flap has a reliable blood supply to help fight infection. The titanium mesh is preserved completely, avoiding a second cranioplasty.

A versatile flap for reconstruction of partial pinna defects – The preauricular flap

BackgroundSkin cancer very frequently involves the pinna, as this part of the body is vulnerably exposed to sun. Reconstructive options following excision are few due to hair bearing skin around. The most common method is a full thickness skin graft. There are flaps described from the posterior aspect of the ear1–3 for helical and conchal defects. The author describes various ways in which the preauricular flap4 can be used for the reconstruction of defects involving the medial anterior aspect of the pinna from the helix to the ear lobe. Patients and methodsDefects of the pinna resulting from resection of skin tumours which were situated along the anterior medial aspect were reconstructed using the preauricular flap. This flap was used to reconstruct 2 superior helical defects, 2 defects involving the tragal notch and external auditory canal, a defect involving the concha and for reconstruction of lobule of ear. ResultsReconstructions performed using the preauricular flap gave excellent results in terms of colour match, volume and appearance. Helical reconstruction with this flap following excision of cartilage and skin, provided the bulk required to mimic the fold. Ear lobe reconstruction results were good, with the provision of further improvement with the use of a cartilage between the layers. In tragal notch and external auditory canal, the preauricular flap sits snug giving a good contour. There were no flap failures or partial necrosis. The donor site scar is very well concealed as in a rhytidectomy. ConclusionsThe preauricular flap is a versatile flap which can be used for reconstruction of partial pinna defects. The non-hair bearing area in front of the ear provides tissue with excellent colour match, sturdy blood supply and sufficient length for transposition to the ear to reconstruct the helix in the upper part to the lobule in the lower part.

Endoscopy-assisted sialolithectomy for the calculus of the Stensen's duct

To investigate the clinical effects of endoscopy-assisted sialolithectomy for the calculus in the Stensen's duct. From August 2005 to July 2013, 67 consecutive patients with calculus (or foreign bodies) in the Stensen's duct underwent explorative and interventional endoscopy in our hospital. The stones (or foreign bodies) were removed by endoscopy-assisted technique. After operation, the patients were followed-up periodically, and treatment effects were analyzed. Among the 67 patients, the stones (or foreign bodies) were completely removed in 58 cases, and almost completely removed in 3 cases, with a success rate of 87% (58/67). Among the 61 stone-removed cases, treatment options included direct removal with aid of basket or forceps (24 cases), basket entrapment and opening-up of the ostium (21 cases), basket entrapment and mucosal incision near the ostium (8 cases), open removal via buccal incision (2 cases) and open removal via pre-auricular flap (6 cases). During the 6-90 months' follow-up of the 61 cases, 48 cases were asymptomatic, 7 had mild symptoms, 3 developed ductal obturation, 1 had numbness in the parotid region, and the remaining 2 were missed. Endoscopy-assisted sialolithectomy is a safe and effective gland-preservation technique for the patients with parotid gland calculus.

Extended Applications of Vascularized Preauricular and Helical Rim Flaps in Reconstruction of Nasal Defects

Extended Applications of Vascularized Preauricular and Helical Rim Flaps in Reconstruction of Nasal Defects

Reply

Sir: We thank Drs. Sapountzis and Chen for their attention to our previous article regarding partial nasal reconstruction with vascularized auricular flaps.1 In order to avoid the interposition vascular grafts, the authors harvested the retrograde flow flap from the contralateral side and used the ipsilateral temporal superficial vessels as the recipient vessels. We agree that their modification might have the benefits they described in the letter. However, in the figures they provided, the flap seems to be only a soft-tissue flap and not the composite flap with auricular cartilage we usually harvest. Since the nasal defect was not shown in those figures, we could not judge which nasal subunit was involved in this case from the shape of that flap. We are very interested to know, in the case of a full-thickness nasal defect, whether the contralateral preauricular flap could repair the three-dimensional deformity. As we wrote in the article,1 our nasal reconstruction goal is not to “fill holes” but rather to restore delicate three-dimensional structures. The helical rim, especially the helical root, offers the best match in terms of shape, texture, and color when reconstructing nasal ala. It also provides all three layers, as skin, cartilaginous framework, and lining, which are necessary for both functional and aesthetic purposes. In our practice, the majority of the defects involved nasal alae, and we found the retrograde flow flaps were optimal for ipsilateral defects with particular concerns on pedicle insetting and nasal ala shaping. In this situation, no matter which recipient vessels—the ipsilateral facial or superficial temporal vessels—were used, the interposition vascular grafts were needed. Apparently this is just opposite to Drs. Sapountzis and Chen’s method. In addition, since the superficial temporal vascular system is a versatile option for facial reconstruction,2 we would like to save one side for potential use rather than destroy both sides in one operation. In conclusion, we appreciate the opportunity to discuss the technique viewpoints raised by our article. Drs. Sapountzis and Chen’s suggestion also could be an alternative in certain cases. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this communication. Danru Wang, M.D. Yunliang Qian, M.D. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Ninth People’s Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

Columella Lengthening by a Vascularized Preauricular Flap

A short columella can result in significant cosmetic and functional deformities. Various techniques such as local flap transfer and composite grafts have been reported for columellar lengthening, but the overall results remain unsatisfactory. Transferring a local flap cannot provide new tissue for the columella, which limits its application. Composite grafting can provide new tissue volume, and the composite tissue from the preauricular region has an excellent color and texture match. However, the lack of a stable blood supply for the composite graft restricts its clinical application due to problems such as viability, dimensions, and atrophy. To overcome these limitations, the authors harvested a vascularized preauricular flap for columella lengthening. Based on the superficial temporal vessels, the vascularized preauricular flap was harvested as a free flap and transferred to the columella region. The recipient vessels were angular vessels or facial vessels, and microsurgical anastomosis was performed between recipient vessels and the pedicle. The lateral femoral circumflex vessels were used as vascular grafts when the pedicle was not long enough. Eight patients who had short columellas were reconstructed with vascularized preauricular flaps. Six flaps were harvested in a reverse fashion, and the remaining two flaps were harvested in an anterograde direction. All the flaps survived well and showed a good color and texture match without hypertrophic scars. An average of 13.3mm improvement in length was obtained for the eight patients. Two patients underwent a secondary debulking procedure to thin the flap. The free vascularized preauricular flap procedure is a reliable method for columellar lengthening and has wide clinical application. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women: the role of collagen

Evaluate the influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women, analyzing the dermal collagen. Pre-auricular flaps were collected for histological and morphometric analysis of 218 white women who underwent spontaneous facial aesthetic plastic surgery. Picrosirius ultrared stain was used for analysis and quantification of collagen in five age groups (<40 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years and 70 to 79 years) . Histological analysis showed changes suggestive of skin aging (fragmentation and disorganization of collagen fibers), especially in patients over 60 years. There were no significant changes in the relationship of age with the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, but there was with the percentage of the collagen I, III and total (p<0.001), which decreased with increasing aging. There is reduction in collagen with increasing age, and an increase in its degradation, leading to fragmentation of the fibers.

Clinically relevant landmarks of the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve: A three‐dimensional study

The frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve (FTN) is vulnerable during craniofacial surgeries due to its superficial course and variable distribution. Surface landmarks that correlate with the underlying course of the FTN can assist in surgical planning. Estimates of the course of FTN commonly rely on Pitanguy's line (PL), which utilizes variable soft-tissue landmarks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate palpable surface landmarks to predict the course and distribution of FTN using 3D modeling. Fifteen half-heads were used. In five formalin-embalmed specimens, surface topography was obtained using a FARO® scanner and landmarks corresponding to PL, porion, supraorbital notch, frontozygomatic and zygomaticotemporal sutures, and supraorbitomeatal line (SOML) and infraorbitomeatal line (IOML) were demarcated/digitized using a Microscribe™ digitizer. A preauricular flap was raised, and branches of FTN were isolated and digitized. The data were reconstructed into 3D models (Geomagic®/Maya®) to quantify landmarks. In 10 Thiel-embalmed specimens, four independent raters identified/palpated and pinned the frontozygomatic and zygomaticotemporal sutures and PL. Data were collected and analyzed using the same protocol as in the first part of the study. Landmarking of PL was inconsistent between raters and not representative of FTN distribution. The easily identifiable surface landmarks defined in this study, a line 12 mm anterior to the porion along the SOML and IOML and a line joining the zygomaticotemporal and frontozygomatic sutures, comprehensively captured the distribution of FTN. The raters found a mean of 21 ± 2 branches between the lines out of a total of 22 ± 2 branches. These landmarks may be used clinically to avoid injury to FTN.

Cryptotia Repair

Cryptotia is a congenital anomaly in which the superior aspect of the helical cartilage is buried beneath the scalp, resulting in an absence of the auriculocephalic sulcus. Treatments have included splinting, skin grafts, and a variety of local flaps. We present a modification of the trefoil flap, initially described by Wesser in 1972. The modifications include wider undermining of the opposing trefoil flap (≤ 2-4 cm), staggering the closure of the helical apices, and expanding the base of the auricular trefoil flap such that it extends over a larger circumference of the helical rim. The senior author (K.S.) has achieved excellent results with this method and has alleviated the need for skin grafts or local preauricular flaps to close the donor site.