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. 2022 Feb 5;11(3):838.
doi: 10.3390/jcm11030838.

A Retrospective Study on Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Ear following Skin Cancer Excision in Elderly Patients

Alberto Bolletta  1 , Luigi Losco  1   2 , Mirco Pozzi  1 , Michela Schettino  1   3 , Emanuele Cigna  1
Affiliations

A Retrospective Study on Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Ear following Skin Cancer Excision in Elderly Patients

Alberto Bolletta et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Ear reconstructive surgery aims to solve the deformities caused by cancer excision. Despite the numerous surgical procedures described, recreating the complex anatomy of the ear still represents a challenge, particularly for young surgeons. The purpose of this exploratory pilot study is to review our experience with single stage reconstruction of the partial defects of the auricle, and propose an algorithm based on defect size, location, and characteristics. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ear reconstruction after cancer excision at our institution between February 2018 and November 2020. The data collected included patients' demographics, defect characteristics, reconstructive technique used, complications, and outcomes. The patients were evaluated at a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. Forty-six patients were included in the study. The most common cause for ear reconstruction was basal cell carcinoma. The mean area of defect was 4.3 cm2 and the helix was the most frequent location of defect. Two patients experienced post-operative complications. At the one-year follow-up, difference in skin pigmentation was reported in 10 cases, a depressed contour of the ear was found in 4 cases, and moderate ear asymmetry was found in 11 cases. No patient needed a secondary procedure. In conclusion, the proposed reconstructive algorithm represents a reconstructive indication that is simple and characterized by low complication rates and good outcomes for both the patient and the surgeon.

Keywords: algorithm for ear reconstruction; ear reconstruction; local flap; partial defects of the auricle; single-stage ear reconstruction; skin cancer of the ear.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Reconstructive algorithm for partial defects of the ear (FTSG: Full thickness skin graft).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Retroauricular flap used to reconstruct a defect of the helical region without cartilage involvement. (a) Flap harvest from the posterior aspect of the auricle; (b) One-year follow-up.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Star modification of wedge excision for a lesion of the helical region. (a) Preoperative markings; (b) Closure of the defect.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Antia-Buch flap. (a) Flap harvest; (b) One-year follow-up.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Modified Antia-Buch flap with V-Y advancement. (a) Preoperative view of the lesion; (b) One-year follow-up.
Figure 6
Figure 6
“Revolving door” island flap. (a) Preoperative view of the defect; (b) Preoperative markings; (c) Flap harvest; (d) Closure of the defect.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Local lobule flap. (a) Preoperative view of the lesion and markings; (b) Closure of the defect.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Preauricular flap. (a) Intraoperative view of the defect and flap harvesting; (b) One-year follow-up.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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