Clinical Observations of a Surgical Method Comprising a Combination of Cross Flap and Autologous Auricular Cartilage Transplantation in the Treatment of Type I to III Congenital Concha-Type Microtia

Abstract

Objectives: The present study attempted to investigate the clinical efficacy of a surgical method involving a combination of cross flap with autologous auricular cartilage transplantation in the treatment of type I to III congenital concha-type microtia. Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted on the clinical and postoperative data of 50 patients with unilateral type I to III concha-type microtia treated with a combination of cross flap and autologous auricular cartilage transplantation at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2018 to December 2021. Results: The postoperative perimeters of malformed ears were significantly larger than the preoperative perimeters ( P < .05). Of the total, 2 patients exhibited incision dehiscence, 3 patients exhibited incision infection, 2 patients exhibited flap hematoma, and 1 patient exhibited ischemic necrosis at the flap tip. The satisfaction rate of the patients and their families was 100%. Conclusions: The surgical method involving a combination of cross flap and autogenous auricular cartilage transplantation was effective in treating patients with type I to III congenital concha-type microtia, and therefore, this surgical approach can be applied widely to correct this deformity.