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Two‐Step External Ear Canal Construction in Atresia as Part of Auricular Reconstruction
Author(s) -
Siegert Ralf,
Weerda Hilko
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200104000-00026
Subject(s) - medicine , microtia , atresia , silastic , surgery , ear canal , middle ear , cholesteatoma , reamer , eustachian tube , anatomy , radiology , engineering , mechanical engineering
Objectives One of the common complications of atresia surgery is restenosis of the surgically constructed external ear canal. To avoid this complication, a new two‐step technique of creating an external ear canal was developed and evaluated. Study Design Prospective clinical evaluation. Patients and Methods Thirty‐six patients with third‐degree microtia and aural atresia have been treated this way. In the first step, the canal is drilled into the petrous bone, a Silastic cylinder is inserted and wrapped into pieces of cartilage and bone dust. In the second step several months later, the implant is removed and a slightly smaller tube covered with a split thickness skin graft is inserted. Results E‐cept the first three patients operated with a slightly different technique, none of the following 33 patients showed a severe restenosis. Instead, all had a nice, smooth e‐ternal ear canal. Conclusion With this two‐step technique of creating a new e‐ternal ear canal in atresia, we could avoid one of the major complications of this kind of surgery. The e‐ternal ear canal is either necessary for the reconstructed middle ear or it can be used to adapt a (behind or in the ear) hearing aid. By integrating this technique into a three‐step concept for auricular reconstruction, the patient does not need any additional operation, and his or her rehabilitation from ear malformation can be enhanced.