Triangular flaps combined with full-thickness skin graft for repairing concha-type microtia.

Abstract

Background: Microtia is a common congenital craniofacial malformation, with concha-type microtia presenting unique challenges due to the relatively large residual auricle tissue and flexible surgical methods. The authors employed triangular flaps combined with full-thickness skin graft technique for treating concha-type microtia, achieving marked treatment effects.

Method: Thirty-five patients with unilateral concha-type microtia were enrolled in this study from January 2023 to June 2024. All patients underwent reconstruction using the triangular flaps combined with full-thickness skin graft method. Pre-and postoperative data regarding the auricles were precisely measured and statistically analyzed, and patient satisfaction along with postsurgery complications were monitored.

Results: Overall, 35 patients were followed-up for 3 to 13 months. The mean preoperative length, width, and perimeter of the affected auricle were 4.79±0.28, 2.44±0.24, and 9.10±0.54 cm. The mean immediate postoperative length, width, and perimeter of the affected auricle were 5.35±0.30, 2.85±0.25, and 10.16±0.54 cm. Significant differences were observed when comparing immediate postoperative and last follow-up results to preoperative measurement (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the dimensions of the postoperative auricle compared to that of the unaffected side. All patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment effect and no complications were reported.

Conclusion: The method using triangular skin flaps combined with full-thickness skin graft proved to be a remarkable approach for concha-type microtia, maximizing the utilization of the residual auricle, simplifying the treatment procedures, and yielding satisfactory repair outcomes.