Prevention and Treatment of Complications from Post-Auricular Tissue Expanders in Patients with Congenital Microtia
Shang Qiao li
He Le ren
Lin Lin
Yang Qing hua
Zhou Jia yu
Jiang Hai yue
Abstract：Object To study prevention and management of complications caused by the tissue expander used behind the ear in patients with congenital microtia. Methods We reviewed data from patients with congenital microtia treated from June 1st 2012 to May 31st 2013 with post-auricular tissue expanders. A total of 368 expanders were used in 353 patients. Complications included necrosis of expanded post-auricular skin flaps (n=14), hematoma (n=5), infections (n=4), and rup-ture of wound (n=4). Timely intervention was implemented and included debridement, profuse irrigation and re-suturing of the wound with drains and follow up wound care. Results The Stage II procedure was not delayed in the 5 patients with hemato-ma after debridement. Skin expansion was extended by 7-10 days before Stage II procedure in the 4 patients with local infec-tion and the 4 patients with wound rupture. All complications had resolved before Stage II procedure after timely and appropri-ate treatment. Conclusion Complications caused by the post-auricular tissue expander are common. Choice of appropriate op-erative techniques, careful post-operative observation and timely management can help reduce complications and consequenc-es, and ensure successful treatment.
Keywords：Expandercomplicationear reconstruction
Publication Date：2013-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：3( 496-498 )