Superiorly-based, preauricular tunneled insular flap for reconstruction of auricular defects
Retalho pré-auricular tunelizado insular de base superior para reconstrução de defeitos auriculares

INTRODUCTION

Restoration of ear anatomical integrity is of fundamental importance after defects are created by resection of cutaneous tumors or resulting from traumatic events^1-3, as noted by Sánchez-Sambucety et al.¹. These same authors described an option for reconstruction of auricular defects using the transposition of a superiorly-based flap located in the preauricular region, thus maintaining the original characteristics of ear texture and color.

Several surgical techniques can be used for ear reconstruction, including closure by second intention, primary synthesis, partial or total skin grafting, and/or use of local flaps^1,3,4.

Auricular repair is complex, especially when the defect reaches the anterior ear because it is more visible. Hence, repair requires techniques that adequately restore structural anatomical integrity. When the tumor is in the scapha, the reconstruction process will depend on the defect size resulting from lesion excision, and whether cartilage and perichondrium are present³.

Depending on the affected area, we can employ insular flaps nourished by different arteries. The superficial temporal artery (STA) is of great importance for vascularization of the ear (Figure 1). The STA gives rise to auricular branches that nourish the different parts of the auricular complex^3,5. The superior auricular artery branches from the STA, and the superiorly-based flap is especially suitable for repairing non-marginal anterior defects of the scapha, antihelix, and triangular fossa^1,5. The remainder of the ear is supplied by the posterior auricular artery⁵.

Figure 1 - The figure shows the external carotid artery, with branches to the posterior auricular and superficial temporal artery; the upper, middle, and lower superficial temporal artery branches perfuse the anterior ear.

Figure 1 - The figure shows the external carotid artery, with branches to the posterior auricular and superficial temporal artery; the upper, middle, and lower superficial temporal artery branches perfuse the anterior ear.

In this work, we describe the transposition of a tunneled preauricular insular flap to cover a defect in the scapha using a single-stage surgical procedure with easy technical execution. This procedure can also be used for marginal defects larger than 2.5 cm and can be executed in 2 stages, as described by Di Mascio and Castagnetti⁴.

CASE REPORT

A 71-year-old patient underwent excision of a cutaneous tumor in the left auricular concha in 2015, followed by cutaneous grafting with good postoperative results. The histopathological report revealed nodular and sclerodermiform carcinoma, with squamous, ulcerated components, and tumor-free surgical margins.

In August 2017, he returned to the Plastic Surgery outpatient clinic complaining of a new lesion in the left ear scapha (Figure 2). We decided on a new surgical approach. The intraoperative frozen section showed that the lesion involved the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and perichondrium, necessitation resection, with a margin of safety extending to lateral and deep limits. To close the defect resulting from the surgical procedure, we chose rotation of a preauricular flap. The lesion was repaired with good aesthetic and functional results.

Figure 2 - The small circle shows a tumor lesion with poorly delimited borders in the scapha region; the tumor is ulcerated at the center. The larger circle shows an area that previously underwent cutaneous grafting after tumor excision.

Figure 2 - The small circle shows a tumor lesion with poorly delimited borders in the scapha region; the tumor is ulcerated at the center. The larger circle shows an area that previously underwent cutaneous grafting after tumor excision.

Surgical technique

The lesion was demarcated with 2% gentian violet, with a safety margin (Figure 3A). Under local anesthesia, the lesion including perichondrium was excised (Figure 3B). The resulting defect was measured on its largest axis. We designed a preauricular flap of dimensions compatible with the defect (Figure 3C).

Figure 3 - A: The figure shows a tumor demarcated with gentian violet, with lateral surgical limits of 4 mm; B: Tumor lesion being resected, according to lateral and deep surgical limits; C: After lesion resection, we demarcated an insular flap in the anterior preauricular region; D: The flap is being lifted from its distal point, maintaining the entire base; E: Rotated insular flap covering the defect created by tumor resection; F: The procedure is finished, with primary synthesis of the flap and donor area.

Figure 3 - A: The figure shows a tumor demarcated with gentian violet, with lateral surgical limits of 4 mm; B: Tumor lesion being resected, according to lateral and deep surgical limits; C: After lesion resection, we demarcated an insular flap in the anterior preauricular region; D: The flap is being lifted from its distal point, maintaining the entire base; E: Rotated insular flap covering the defect created by tumor resection; F: The procedure is finished, with primary synthesis of the flap and donor area.

The flap was lifted, and the skin was removed from its base (Figure 3D). An incision was made through the crus of the helix, creating a tunnel for flap passage; the flap was mobilized through the tunnel and adapted to the defect (Figure 3E). The donor and recipient sites were closed using primary synthesis (Figure 3F).

DISCUSSION

The preauricular flap was originally described by Pennisi et al.⁶ in 1965 for the correction of earlobe defects. With changes in the procedure, the flap was also used for ear defects, but many authors describe this method in 2 stages⁷.

Lesions resulting from tumors or trauma are common in the auricular complex and require specialized technical expertise for repair. The various options for auricular reconstruction include local flaps, skin grafts, or second intention healing¹. It is noteworthy that the use of flaps for auricular reconstruction when excising tumors is the most appropriate technique, since direct closure may cause distortion of the anatomy; grafting in this region is difficult to perform^7,8.

When the lesion lies on the scapha, reconstruction will depend on the defect size and whether or not deeper tissues, such as perichondrium and cartilage, are involved^8,9. Cartilage exposure requires immediate closure due to the increased risk of infection, necrosis, and chronic chondritis⁹.

Small defects can be closed with primary synthesis or use of skin grafts. Larger and more complex lesions may require reconstruction with preauricular or postauricular flaps¹.

The posterior flap interpolation technique, first described in 1972 by Masson¹⁰, is a high-risk procedure, although it is the first choice in concha reconstruction. The tissue tends to present a narrow pedicle and rotating within the ear hinders local circulation.

Several flaps in the mastoid region have been described for ear repair, many of which require 2 surgical stages^11,12. In our case, we describe a single-stage flap procedure, with similar auricular skin color and good vascularization; the method can be used to repair defects with or without changes in deeper tissues such as the perichondrium and cartilage. This technique allows a good aesthetic result, in addition to preservation of the auricular pavilion anatomy¹³.

CONCLUSION

Auricular defects require procedures that restore shape and maintain symmetry. The superiorly-based preauricular flap is easy to perform in experienced hands and provides good skin quality.; it is performed in a single surgical stage, making it ideal for repairing defects in the scapha, antihelix, and triangular fossa.