Open Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery

2010, 3 : 17-20
Published online 2010 December 31. DOI: 10.2174/1876976401003010017
Publisher ID: TOPRSJ-3-17

A New Approach in the Management of Triangular Fossa Auricular Defects: The Posterior Auricular Artery Perforator Antihelix-Conchal Flap (PAAP Flap)

Alessio Baccarani , Antonio Pedone , Giovanna Petrella , Pietro Loschi , Barbara Pompei and Giorgio De Santis
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy

ABSTRACT

Background:

The reconstruction of extensive scapha or triangular fossa defects to the ear still represents a challenge considering the lack of local simple surgical procedures. Objective: To present a new perforator flap which is a modification of the Elsahy and Ladocsi chondrocutaneous rotation flaps. Patients and Methods: Ten patients, in whom the oncological resection to the triangular fossa did not include cartilage, but skin and perichondrium. Defects no larger than 3 cm in diameter were treated. The dissection of the flap was carried out from lateral to medial on the anterior subperichondral plane. The flap was thus raised without the cartilage component but with the anterior perichondrium branched with the perforating vessels. Results: All flaps survived and treated patients presented good aesthetic results.

Conclusions:

We think that this procedure represents a valuable option to be considered in reconstructing well selected composite defects to upper ear.

Keywords:

Ear reconstruction, triangular fossa, perforator flaps.