Preauricular Translobular Flap for Reconstruction of Auricular Defects



Preauricular Translobular Flap for Reconstruction of Auricular Defects


RANDALL S. FEINGOLD







ANATOMY

The auricle and, in particular, the helical rim consist of a curved cartilage framework wrapped with thin skin. While some of the well-described techniques restore the anatomy with both skin and cartilage, the preauricular flap does not itself supply cartilage. Nevertheless, it will suffice to resurface partial-thickness defects with exposed cartilage, and it will provide an aesthetically excellent reconstruction of the full-thickness midhelical defect. Blood supply to the flap derives from the superficial temporal artery.


FLAP DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS

The flap is drawn in the preauricular skin, extending from the sideburn to the ear lobule, measuring 6 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width based in front of the ear lobule (Fig. 82.1). The design for the working part of the flap and its soon to
be de-epithelialized pedicle is demonstrated in the patient in Figure 82.1, who is undergoing radical resection of melanoma and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

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Jun 26, 2016 | Posted by in General Surgery | Comments Off on Preauricular Translobular Flap for Reconstruction of Auricular Defects

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