HISTORY
Ear reconstruction was first referred to in the Susruta Samhita, where a cheek flap was suggested for repairing the earlobe. As early as 1597, the Italian surgeon Tagliacozzi described and illustrated repair of both upper and lower ear deformities with skin flaps from behind the auricular region. In Germany in 1845, Dieffenbach described repair of the ear’s middle third with an advancement skin flap. This may occasionally still have application today.
This early work focused mainly on traumatic deformities. However, by the end of the 19th century, surgeons began to address congenital defects, particularly prominent ears.
The origin of microtia repair had its significant beginnings in 1920, when Gillies buried carved homograft rib cartilage under mastoid skin, then separated it from the head with a flap of neck skin. Pierce (1930) modified this method by lining the new ear’s posterior surface with a skin graft and building the helix with a flap of rolled up skin. Gillies (1937) repaired more than 30 microtic ears using ear cartilage from the patient’s mother; these were found to progressively resorb and disappear.
Young and Peer(1948) turned to autogenous rib cartilage, which they ingeniously diced and placed in a vitallium ear-shaped mold beneath the abdominal skin. After five months they retrieved the banked mold, opened it, and harvested the framework of cartilage chips, which had united by scar tissue that had grown through the mold’s fenestrations. Although this framework contracted and the shape withered, this technique led to a wave of ear enthusiasm which again turned to homograft cartilage. Experiencing the same frustration of others, Steffensen (1952) used preserved rib cartilage to produce excellent results, but three years later reported progressive resorption of the same cartilage frameworks.
A major breakthrough came in 1959, when Tanzer rekindled using autogenous rib cartilage, which he carved in a solid block. His excellent results have persisted during the years.
In an effort to circumvent the significant operation to harvest rib cartilage, Cronin (1966) introduced silicone ear frameworks, but found that, like other inorganic implants (e.g., polyethylene, nylon mesh, Marlex, polyester net, and Teflon), they suffered a high incidence of extrusion. Initially, Cronin minimized this problem by covering the framework’s rim with extra tissue grafts and flaps, but later when he found that the alloplastic frames still extruded, he discontinued this practice and stopped using them altogether.
To this date, autogenous cartilage remains the most reliable material that produces results with the least complications. Although various donor sites have been used for harvesting the cartilage, only rib cartilage provides a substantial source for fabricating a total ear framework. Even contralateral ear cartilage (from the conchal “bowl”) has been used for this purpose, but it is best to reserve auricular cartilage for repairing small partial ear defects, for which considerably less tissue bulk is needed.
Although Tanzer began his pioneering work in ear reconstruction somewhat late in his career and therefore only operated on 43 microtia patients, his results were excellent. Building upon Tanzer’s sound principles, Brent, Firmin, Nagata and Park among others refined his technique and a two-stage autogenous ear reconstruction is the state of the art today. In some cases, even a one-stage reconstruction can be done.
In recent years, Reinisch became a strong proponent of a one stage ear reconstruction technique using Medpor® in combination with parietotemporal fascia and skin grafts. In experienced hands this technique gives good results although one has to keep in mind that the ear is reconstructed with porous polyethylene, an inorganic material.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
What is microtia?
Microtia is a birth deformity of the ear that occurs about one in 5,000-7,000 births, depending on varying statistics in different countries and in different ethnic races. When broken down in Latin, the term “microtia” is easy to understand. Micro = small; otia = ear. In 90 percent of microtia, only one side is involved. There are twice as many right-sided microtias than left; microtia involves boys 65 percent of the time and girls 35 percent.
What is atresia?
Atresia is absence or underdevelopment of the ear canal and middle ear structures. Microtia is almost always accompanied by atresia because the outer ear and the middle ear develop from one common block of tissue at the same time of development in the womb. About 15 percent of microtia patients have what appears at first look to be a normal canal, but many of them have only a “blind alley.”
What causes microtia, and did the parents do anything to cause microtia in their child?
The exact cause (etiology) of microtia is somewhat obscure, but one sure thing is that the parents did not cause it and should not feel guilty. Although feelings of guilt are common amongst parents with a child having a congenital deformity, they certainly had nothing to do with the occurrence of the microtia, which is merely a “roll of the dice.” Children with microtia are great little kids who will lead normal productive lives with the support of their parents, family, physicians and friends.
What is the risk of recurrence of microtia within the family and what are the chances that a microtia patient could also have children with microtia?
When two people first conceive a child, the risk of that child’s having microtia is basically the same as any child born. Families with hereditary forms of microtia are rare.
What other medical problems are associated with microtia?
The majority of patients with microtia have no other problems aside from the ear. Approximately one-third have underdeveloped bony and soft tissues on the involved side of the face (hemifacial microsomia) and 15 percent have facial nerve weakness. As part of a syndrome other abnormalities such as cleft lip, cardiac, or urological problems are encountered but these are less frequent.
When does a child with microtia become aware of it?
Children with microtia become aware of their differences at approximately 3 – 3½ years of age. Typically, they start comparing sides in a mirror and begin referring to their microtia as their “little ear.”
What should the parents tell their child with microtia when they discover that they are “different”?
When the child discovers that he/she has a small ear, parents should tell the child that he/she was born with a small ear, and that the doctor is going to make it larger when the child is older—then treat the child as absolutely normal and not make a “big deal” about it. The only children ever seen bothered about their microtia before the age of 7 or 8 are those whose family is very worked up over it and transmits family anxieties to the child.
Quoted from the website of Dr.Burt Brent: www.microtia.us.com
RECONSTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUES
Autogenous ear reconstruction
Autogenous reconstruction is worthwhile only if great attention is paid to fine detail. In addition to providing a realistic shape, it is important to leave the ear canal unaffected, to provide support for spectacles and a lobe for earrings. The ear must be positioned at the correct level and with a slight posterior slope to match the opposite normal ear. Some patients may need reconstruction of both ears.
If the missing area is small, then a conchal cartilage graft (a graft from the cartilage of the other ear) may suffice. However, for major defects, a detailed framework, which mimics the folds of a normal ear, is necessary. There are two essential elements for a good ear reconstruction - an accurate framework and loose and pliable skin of good quality to cover it. Scarred skin is not pliable, but usually thick and inelastic and it can mask the details of the framework and spoil the result, so a more complex ear reconstruction technique is required.
Frameworks made from artificial materials, such as preformed silicone or Medpor©, can often provide a realistic result but there is a risk of late extrusion of the framework when minor trauma has led to infection. As a result, a limited number of experienced surgeons choose this route. Those who do quite rightly point out that there is no additional scar or discomfort caused by the donor site on the chest. Those who use costal cartilage point out that the donor site scar is minimal, and the discomfort temporary.
Simple autogenous reconstruction
If the tissues have not been damaged by previous trauma or surgery, it is possible to fashion a completely new ear in two operations six months apart. In some circumstances, the two stages can be rolled into one, with a minor procedure later.
The first stage of a simple autogenous ear reconstruction takes several hours under general anesthetic. The first step is to map the shape of the normal opposite ear. When both ears are lost, such as in burned patients, an ear shape can be copied from a willing relative. The shape is drawn on a see-through plastic sheet, then cut out to leave a template which can be sterilized for use throughout surgery.
A small incision is made in the chest wall at the edge of the ribcage of the opposite side. Costal cartilage is removed from several ribs to use for the cartilage framework. At the end of the operation, a small drain is left in this wound so that pain-relieving medicine can be given directly into the area. A small piece of cartilage is usually stored here, to be used to jack out the ear at the second stage. In case of a one stage reconstruction this is not necessary.
The material used for the framework, known as costal cartilage, is usually fairly easy to carve. If an entire ear is missing, it is assembled from several carved components, one for the rim, one for the main part of the ear, and separate pieces to resemble the individual ridges and valleys that make a realistic ear shape. The finished framework is then inserted under the skin on the side of the head, blending with any ear elements which might be useful. The skin is draped over the framework to form an airtight seal and suction drains are used to draw the skin into its folds. By the end of the operation, a contoured framework in the shape of an ear sits in the right place on the side of the head, albeit almost flat against it. Suction is applied continually for up to five days so that the ear shape persists.
Release of the reconstructed ear
About six months after the first stage, the circulation to the zone of reconstruction has become established, and the second stage can proceed. The new ear is lifted from the side of the head, so that it projects normally, with a groove behind it. The block of costal cartilage stored beneath the scar in the chest wall is used to maintain projection, and the two raw surfaces, one behind the ear and one on the side of the head, are covered by skin grafts taken from the groin or the thigh.
Second stage surgery takes almost two hours, again under general anesthetic.
Complex autogenous reconstruction
For tissues which have been damaged, it is sometimes necessary to first increase the amount of skin cover by inserting a tissue expander before the first stage, or by raising a temporoparietal fascial flap at the time of the first stage surgery. If neither option is available, then a free flap or a bone anchored prosthesis is required.
Complex reconstructions are performed in case of ear loss due to bites, road traffic accidents, shootings, burns, failed surgery to set back prominent ears and infected piercings. Some patients are referred after failed attempts at reconstruction and these are especially challenging. In some of these, a bone anchored prosthesis is the only option. It is very important to resist attempts at surgery to improve the appearance of the ear or scalp area before definitive reconstruction, as the blood supply to the new ear can be irreparably damaged and the results compromised.
Tissue expansion
When there is an inadequate amount of pliable skin to cover the framework, an initial procedure to insert a tissue expander may be necessary. A large expander, which looks like a deflated balloon with a tube to inflate it, is introduced through a small incision some distance away from the site of the ear reconstruction. Expansion, using saline injections into a valve on the inflating tube, is begun the week after insertion and continues at weekly intervals for about eight weeks until the skin is stretched enough.
Quoted from the website of Dr.David Gault: www.earreconstruction.co.uk
Medpor© ear reconstruction
Medpor© stands for microporous high-density polyethylene implant. Although rib cartilage reconstruction is an established and effective treatment option, Medpor© is an alternative technique, which has become available in recent years. Using this technique, a new ear framework is created using biocompatible polyethylene. After placing this framework on the patient’s head, it is grafted with temporoparietal fascia and skin grafts from beneath the scalp, so that the new structure actually integrates with the surrounding skin and blood vessels. Ear reconstruction with Medpor© requires fewer surgeries and can be performed on patients as young as three years old.
As the ear reconstructed with Medpor© will not grow, it will be constructed to be the same size as an adult ear. Although it may look slightly large for several years, young patients can experience a natural appearance and increased self-confidence.
The key difference between Medpor© and rib cartilage ear is the material used to rebuild the ear. Where Medpor© uses a microporous high-density polyethylene implant, rib cartilage ear reconstruction uses the patient’s natural tissue as the framework. This procedure requires an initial surgery to collect cartilage from the rib cage.
With Medpor© ear reconstruction, microtia patients can be treated as young as three or four years old. For a rib ear reconstruction, one has to wait until about age eight to ten, for the child to have sufficient rib cartilage to create the framework.
These and other aspects of each procedure patients and parents must consider.
Quoted from the website of Dr.John Reinisch: www.drjohnreinisch.com
It is important to emphasize that the reconstruction of the external ear needs to be done by well trained surgeons who perform this type of operation on a regular base. Although costal cartilage is more rigid than ear cartilage it is somewhat flexible. Medpor© on the contrary is stiff. In costal cartilage reconstruction the framework is placed beneath the local skin. A Medpor© implant needs to be covered by fascia and skin grafts, therefore texture and color can be different from the normal ear.
Complications like infection or exposure of the framework are in general not frequently seen in experienced hands. However, if those complications occur, they are easier to treat when costal cartilage is used. An infected or exposed Medpor© frame is far more complicated to rescue and often leads to removal of the implant, seriously jeopardizing future reconstruction.
In any case if you experience any change in the aspect of your reconstructed ear don't hesitate to contact your specialist immediately.