Management of Acquired Ear Defects and Its Outcome

Abstract

Background: Acquired ear defects are common, frequently subtotal, and the complexity of the auricular anatomy renders them challenging to reconstruct. In contrast to congenital ear deformities, these defects have received little-concentrated effort to formulate a systematic approach to their analysis and treatment. Aim: To study the various types of acquired defects of ear classified based on etiology and anatomical location of the injury and assessment of outcome after reconstruction. Methods: 20 patients of acute and delayed presentation of acquired ear defect patients were included. Results: The commonly performed surgery was a cutaneous and composite flap. Donor site morbidity was the commonest complication in our study group constituting 25% of the patients. 40% of the patients scored overall outcome as excellent whereas surgeons were fully satisfied with the outcome of only 25% of the patients. Conclusion: While reconstructing ear, thin, pliable flaps with good contour and color match should be chosen and it should be completed in one or two stages, giving equal priority for the donor site scar as for the ear.