Prevention and treatment of postoperative complications in reconstruction of auricle using autologous rib cartilage
10.3760/cma.j.issn.1671-0290.2025.01.001
- VernacularTitle:自体肋软骨耳廓再造术后并发症的预防和治疗
- Author:
Ze WANG
1
;
Bo HU
1
;
Tengxiao MA
1
;
Pengfei FAN
1
;
Lei LI
1
Author Information
1. 海南医科大学附属海南医院 海南省人民医院整形美容科，海口 570311
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Congenital microtia;
Reconstruction of auricle;
Autologous rib cartilage;
Expander;
Complication;
Treatment;
Prevention
- From:
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology
2025;31(1):1-6
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Congenital microtia is a significant birth defect affecting the external ear. Currently, reconstruction of auricle has become a mature method for repairing microtia. Autologous rib cartilage is the preferred material for external ear support due to its favorable histocompatibility after implantation, no rejection, easy accessibility, facile contouring and low infection rate. Moreover, it is widely applied in the domains of ear reconstruction and rhinoplasty. Current primary approaches to external ear reconstruction include skin and soft tissue expansion, as well as non-expansion techniques. However, due to the intricate structural modifications required in these procedures, it is a challenge to avoid the complications. Postoperative complications associated with non-expansion external ear reconstruction include hematoma, infection, wire suture exposure, flap ischemia and necrosis, cartilage scaffold exposure, cartilage scaffold resorption, eczema, and cranio-auricular angle contracture. In cases of post-expansion external ear reconstruction, complications may include hematoma at the expansion site, infection, incision dehiscence, expansion flap necrosis, leakage or malfunction of the expander, expander exposure, and retraction of the expansion flap. Thoracic complications related to incised costal cartilage include deformity, pain, pneumothorax, and scarring. This study details the prevention and management of the aforementioned complications, aiming to serve as a reference for clinical treatment practices.
