Endoscope-assisted temporoparietal fascia harvest for auricular reconstruction

Eric R. Helling, Stanley Okoro, George Kim, Peter T.H. Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of microtia may require a temporoparietal fascia flap. The authors modified existing endoscopic temporoparietal fascia harvest techniques and applied them to auricular reconstruction to reduce incision size, scarring, and visible alopecia. Flap design was altered to include posterior occipital circulation to improve perfusion and decrease venous congestion. Cases of open and endoscope-assisted auricular reconstruction techniques have not been compared in the literature. METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent Medpor auricular reconstruction with temporoparietal fascia flaps (eight open and nine endoscope-assisted). Physical outcome (scar size, location, appearance, and complication rate), flap size, surgical times, and blood loss were compared. Equipment and dissection techniques are reviewed. RESULTS: No flap complications occurred with either group. Endoscope-assisted incision length was 18 to 25 mm, compared with 150 to 200 mm using the open technique. No significant alopecia was noted in the endoscopic group, whereas most open patients had visible alopecia. Open surgical time averaged 325.9 minutes, and endoscopic surgical time averaged 276.5 minutes. Estimated blood loss averaged 56.3 cc for open and 45.6 cc for endoscopic procedures. Open temporoparietal fascia flap size averaged 8.87 × 9.75 cm, whereas endoscopic temporoparietal fascia flap size averaged 7.9 × 10.2 cm. Standard endoscopic brow-lift instruments were used. The optimal superior access port placement was the upper one-third/lower two-thirds junction of the flap. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscope-assisted temporoparietal fascia harvest technique for auricular reconstruction can minimize scarring, alopecia, and surgical time, with comparable blood loss. Flap size is comparable to that of the traditional open approach. The authors recommend a broadly based pedicle instead of one based solely off the superficial temporal artery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1598-1605
Number of pages8
JournalPlastic and reconstructive surgery
Volume121
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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