Background: Retrosigmoid sinus (RS) approach was not the dominant choice for BONEBRIDGE implantation.
Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of auricular reconstruction concomitant with BONEBRIDGE implantation using retrosigmoid approach for aural atresia patients.
Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 15 children (28 ears) who underwent auricular reconstruction using a completely expanded postauricular flap with a skin expander concomitant with retrosigmoid BONEBRIDGE implantation from July 2019 to September 2020.
Results: All 15 patients healed well and had no bone conduction shift. Average SFT improvement was 27.1 dB HL (p < .001). Comparison between aided and unaided speech recognition rate in quiet and in noise showed significant improvements, respectively (p < .001). After a follow-up of 21-35 months, the hearing results were stable and the aesthetic outcomes were satisfying.
Conclusions and significance: For patients who undergo auricle reconstruction using expanded postauricular flap, retrosigmoid approach can avoid interfering the flap of reconstructed auricular without increasing the surgical risk or impact the clinical efficacy, and without significantly prolonging the total anesthesia time. The integrated surgical approach is a safe, and convenient option for patients who require simultaneous auricular reconstruction with BONEBRIDGE implantation.
Keywords: Hearing implantation; bone conduction hearing aid; congenital aural atresia; plastic surgery; surgical strategy.