Nursing of auricular reconstruction using of skin tissue expanders method and autogenous costal cartilage framework

Objective To improve the quality of auricular reconstruction using of skin tissue expanders method and autogenous costal cartilage framework. Methods From January 2008 to January 2012 twenty cases of auricle deformities were performed by our method of ear reconstruction. Eighteen cases were microtia. Other two cases were aquired defects from injury. Auricular reconstruction was performed in three surgical stages. In the first stage, a 50 ml kidney-shaped expander was inserted subcutaneously in the retroauricular mastoid region. In the second stage, autogenous costal cartilage framework was enveloped by the expanded flaps. Tragus construction and conchal excavation was performed in the third stage. Results All patients were followed up from six months to four years. A total of 20 cases reported to be satisfied with the appearance of good shape, accurate size and duplication of well-detailed structures. Both the patients and the surgeons were satisfactory. Hematoma, expander exposure, cartilage framework exposure were not occurred in our cases. Conclusion Good preoperative and postoperative nursing care is a prerequisite for the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of auricular reconstruction using kin tissue expanders method and autogenous costal cartilage framework.