Otoplasty: a modified Chong-Chet technique with positive long-term results

Abstract

Background: In the last few decades, many techniques have been developed to correct prominent ear deformities. Modified Chong-Chet otoplasty represents a new and improved classical Chong-Chet procedure for prominent ear surgery. This study evaluates and compares the long-term results of standard Chong-Chet otoplasty with the modified technique.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing otoplasty at the Special Hospital S-tetik Banja Luka between January 17, 2017, and February 5, 2019. The total number of patients undergoing the procedure was 129. The first group (48 patients) underwent otoplasty using the Chong-Chet technique, while the second group (81 patients) underwent a modified Chong-Chet procedure. All patients were randomly selected on the condition that the antihelix was absent.The data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24 using nonparametric tests (χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test).

Results: Every second patient was satisfied (19 patients were partially satisfied and five patients were completely satisfied) with the results of the classical Chong-Chet technique. Seven patients were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, while 17 patients were dissatisfied (11 patients were completely dissatisfied and 6 patients were mostly dissatisfied). As for the modified method, on average, nine out of 10 patients (73 or 90.1%) were satisfied, of which 49 patients (60.5%) were completely satisfied and 24 patients (29.6%) were mostly satisfied.The statistical significance was P < .05.Research results point to the modified Chong-Chet technique being a significant improvement to the classical method.

Conclusion: Modified Chong-Chet technique increases the number of positive long-term results and significantly improves the standard method.

Figure 1

shows the tweezers holding the elliptical part of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the posterior auricle.

Figure 2

shows the perichondreal layer raised from the back of the auricle.

Figure 3

shows the folded cartilage, that is, a newly formed antihelix.

Figure 4

shows the suture placed between the raised perichondrium of the auricle and its inner part, which further secures the newly formed antihelix and prevents its return to its original position.

Figure 5

shows already placed suture mentioned in the Fig. 4.

Figure 6

shows the results of the modified otoplasty technique, in which the patient was completely satisfied, in order from top to bottom: before the surgery, a month, and a year after the surgery.