A Case of Crural-Type Auricular Fistula Requiring Reconstruction Using a Retroauricular Subcutaneous Pedicle Flap

Abstract

Auricular fistula is a common congenital malformation located anywhere adjacent to the external ear. A 29-year-old male patient presented with pain and a reddish swelling on the right ear, and was diagnosed as having an auricular fistula (crural type) at Shinshu University Hospital. Since the sinus tract got repeatedly infected, we planned surgical excision. Due to the presence of inflammatory and granulation tissue, we needed to remove some of the skin and cartilage in the conchal as well as the sinus tract. After the excision, we used retroauricular subcutaneous pedicle flap for reconstruction of the skin defect. This technique is clinically feasible, because the flap has sufficient blood supply, and the donor scar is inconspicuous.