Background: Because auricular reconstruction is a complex and relatively uncommon procedure, there are many patients that have had disappointing reconstructions. This study describes the authors' large experience with secondary procedures in patients with unsatisfactory or failed initial ear reconstruction.
Methods: A prospectively maintained database of all consecutive patients who underwent secondary total ear reconstruction from March of 1991 to December of 2017 was reviewed. Demographic data and outcomes were assessed. Patients with acquired absence of the ear were not included.
Results: There were 144 microtia patients that met the inclusion criteria. Patient age at the time of the secondary reconstruction ranged from 3 to 59 years. Follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 21 years. Primary reconstruction was performed with rib cartilage in 91 patients, porous polyethylene implant in 47 patients, prosthesis in four patients, and irradiated cadaver rib cartilage in two patients. All secondary reconstructions were performed with porous polyethylene implants. The alloplastic framework was covered with a temporoparietal fascia flap in 76 patients, an occipital fascia flap in 64 patients, and a free fascia flap in four patients (two radial forearm flaps in the same patient, one contralateral temporoparietal fascia flap, and one lateral arm flap). Fourteen patients (10 percent) had complications requiring revision surgery. Secondary surgery was successful in all but one patient.
Conclusions: These data represent the largest series of secondary total ear reconstructions. The use of a porous polyethylene implant is an ideal method for these patients because of its minimal morbidity and relatively low complication rate.
Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, IV.