Total Reconstruction of the Auricle for Congenital Microtia

Abstract

For total ear reconstruction for congenital microtia, we have employed the method using autogenous costal cartilage in 116 patients. The procedure, performed in three stages, is as follows.
Stage 1 consis t s of repositioning the existing ear lobe and implantation of an autogenous costal cartilage framework.
In Stage 2, the recons t r ucted ear is elevated from the side of the head without exposing the framework, and in Stage 3, plasty of conchal cavity and tragus is done. The interval between the each stage is approximately 6 months. No meatotympanoplasty is done in the patient with unilateral atresia. The optimal age of patients undergoing this procedure is 10 years for the two reasons: 1) there is a sufficient area of non-haired skin to cover the implanted framework, and 2) a sufficient volume of elastic costal cartilage for making a framework can be obtained.