OBJECTIVETo investigate a method of auricular reconstruction with overlapping tissue expansion techniques and without skin graft.

METHODSTwo tissue expanders were implanted subcutaneously at the mastoid. 6 patients with microtia (overlapping group) were treated. After completion of skin expansion, the expanders were removed. The autologous rib cartilage or Medpor scaffolds were implanted. The flap A made by the upper expanded flap was used to cover the upper part of the front and the back of the framework. The flap B made by lower expanded flap was transplanted to cover the lower part of the back of frameworks. The remaining expanded skin was designed to cover the postauricular wound. The other thirteen microtia patients who treated by the traditional auricular reconstruction were selected as control(traditional group).

RESULTSSkin graft was not necessary in the patients of overlapping groups. The appearance of the reconstructed ear was very satisfactory. Epidermal necrosis of 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm happened at the distal end of postauricular flap in one case. All the other cases had no complication of infection or framework exposure. The patients were followed up for 3-6 months. Compared with the traditional group, the scar in the costal donor site was inconspicuous in overlapping group (P < 0.05). The complication rate was lower and satisfactory rate was higher in overlapping group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). But there was hair growth in the helix of reconstructed ear in overlapping group.

CONCLUSIONSThe overlapping expansion can provide enough skin for ear reconstruction. The skin graft is not necessary, resulting less donor site scar and low complications.