Retroauricular lymph node flap: An anatomic and surgical feasibility study

Abstract

Background The study investigated the anatomy of the retroauricular lymph node (LN) flap and evaluate its surgical feasibility as a new donor site for a free LN flap in lymphedema surgery. Methods Twelve adult cadavers were examined. The course and perfusion of the anterior auricular artery (AAA) and the location and sizes of the retroauricular LNs were studied. Results The AAA was available in 87% and absent in 13% specimens. The AAA's origin had a mean vertical distance of 12.2 ± 6.9 mm and a mean horizontal distance of 19.1 ± 4.2 mm from the superior attachment of the ear. The mean diameter of the AAA was 0.8 ± 0.2 mm. The mean number of LN per region was 7.7 ± 2.3, with an average LN size of 4.1 ± 1.9 × 3.2 ± 1.7 mm. The LN were categorized into anterior (G1) and posterior (G2) groups, with a total of 59 and 10 LN, respectively. In a cluster analysis, three LN clusters could be detected across the anterior group (G1). Conclusions The retroauricular LN flap is a delicate but feasible flap with reliable anatomy, containing a mean of 7.7 LNs.

Quantification of level I neck lymph nodes for lymph node transfer in lymphedema treatment: an anatomical study and review of literature

“…Several clinical and animal studies have demonstrated that redistribution of lymphatics can be achieved spontaneously after a transpositional flap including lymphatic bundles to replace missing or damaged lymphatic chains ( 44 - 51 ). Slavin et al studied the use of rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in the treatment of tail lymphedema in a rat model ( 45 ).…”

Corrigendum

“…In the article by Roka‐Palkovits J, Freystätter C, Tinhofer IE, et al, 1 the affiliation of Chieh‐Han J. Tzou has been corrected. The corrected author byline and affiliation should read as:…”