Comparison of auricle reconstruction with expanded flaps and auricle reconstruction with non-expanded flaps in patients with microtia: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of these two surgical methods by comparing the incidence of major evaluation indicators. Methods The databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP information databases were searched. Results The satisfaction rate of patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps was 86.5%, and the satisfaction rate of patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps was 87.9%. The incidence of postoperative hematoma was 2.5% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 18.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative skin necrosis was 1.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 4.1% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative incision infection was 2.4% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 0.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of cartilage framework exposure was 2.2% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 1.9% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The incidence of postoperative scar hyperplasia was 3.8% in patients with auricle reconstruction using expanded flaps and 3% in patients with auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps. The publication bias of included literature was evaluated by Egger test. There was no publication bias in this Meta-analysis ( P > .05). Conclusion The auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps is dominant in four of the six evaluation indexes. Therefore, we believe that the auricle reconstruction using non-expanded flaps has better therapeutic effect in patients with microtia. Due to the limitations of this meta-analysis, the conclusions of this meta-analysis still need to be further verified.

A Systematic Review of the Application of Computational Technology in Microtia

“…However, the author also emphasized that more studies in this field are needed to achieve a more reliable conclusion. As for the treatment of microtia, another meta-analysis based on 14 clinical studies found that auricle reconstruction using nonexpanded flaps has better therapeutic effects than using expanded flaps in microtia 48 . Sometimes, negative results are also important for clinical research.…”

“…As for the treatment of microtia, another meta-analysis based on 14 clinical studies found that auricle reconstruction using nonexpanded flaps has better therapeutic effects than using expanded flaps in microtia. 48 Sometimes, negative results are also important for clinical research. A single-arm metaanalysis found that there is no significant difference in the efficacy of the treatment between auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting and auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting.…”