Preauricular pull through flap for reconstruction of the auricle. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmidt, Manfred; Zaussinger, Maximilian; Duscher, Dominik; Wenny, Raphael; Huemer, Georg M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 74:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Local flap -- Reconstruction -- Auricle -- Ear -- Crus of antihelix -- Triangular fossa -- Pull through; FU Follow-up; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.05.078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: Introduction: Reconstruction of the crus of the antihelix after tumor resection is a significant surgical challenge and to date no ideal method has been described. The authors present a novel approach using a pedicled flap from preauricular excess skin, which is tunneled through the helix to the anterior auricular surface. Material and Methods: The presented technique was successfully applied in a series of three patients requiring reconstruction of the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix after resection of skin malignancies. Technique and outcomes are described in detail. Results: Postoperative course was uneventful in all patients and all flaps healed with excellent esthetic results. Initial flap edema was observed in two cases that resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: The preauricular pull-through flap is a versatile, straightforward, and reliable method for reconstruction of auricular defects located at the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix, including the triangular fossa, using the natural preauricular skin excess.