Reattachment of Amputated Auricle using Postauricular Subcutaneous Pocket.

Jang, Ju Yun; Kang, Dong Hee; Lee, Chi Ho; Oh, Sang Ah

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2009;36(5):660-662.
Published online September 1, 2009.

Reattachment of Amputated Auricle using Postauricular Subcutaneous Pocket.

Ju Yun Jang, Dong Hee Kang, Chi Ho Lee, Sang Ah Oh

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. ivoryoh@naver.com

Abstract

PURPOSE
There are several modalities to reattach the amputated auricle. Although microvascular replantation can achieve the best outcome, it is technically difficult. Conventional composite graft is technically easy, but uniformly unsuccessful. Our successful experience of reattachment using postauricular subcutaneous pocket is presented. METHODS: The amputated tissue was placed in its anatomical position with buried sutures. The amputated part is dermabraded to remove the epidermis and outer layer of dermis((Fig.1), Center, left). Postauricular skin flap was then raised and the reattached dermabraded ear was buried beneath the flap((Fig.1), Center, right). Two weeks after the original surgery, the buried ear was removed from its pocket((Fig.1), Below, left).
RESULTS
The ear was reepithelialized spontaneously in 7 days. In 3 months, the reattached ear shows satisfactory appearance without contour deformity((Fig.1), Below, right).
CONCLUSION
This technique provides increase in contact surface between the amputated segment and the surrounding tissues which supply blood, serum, oxygen and nutrients, maximizing the probability of "take". Minimally injured dermis can be healed from spontaneous reepithelialization and provides minimal contour deformity. We have used this non-microsurgical technique with very satisfying outcome.

Keywords: Ear auricle; Traumatic amputation; Replantation