van Wingerden JJ, Lapid O, van der Horst CMAM. Bridging phenomenon - Simplifying complex ear reconstructions.
Head Neck 2013;
36:735-8. [PMID:
23970464 DOI:
10.1002/hed.23458]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Extirpation of noninvasive skin tumors of the anterior ear may create large defects. Various flaps, described to cover these defects, demand special knowledge without which a loss of the fine detail of the ear may result.
METHODS
Healthy, exposed cartilage is deliberately excised leaving a basic framework for support, thus preserving contours and a well-vascularized recipient bed for full-thickness skin grafting. The grafts heal by revascularization and "bridging," a phenomenon whereby grafts on avascular beds (such as denuded cartilage) are revascularized.
RESULTS
By marrying clinical experience gained during microtia reconstruction with insights regarding the bridging phenomenon derived from the laboratory, our 17 reconstructed ears healed without serious complications and kept their normal contours and shape, and there was no recurrence of the carcinoma.
CONCLUSION
Satisfactory patient-centered outcome can be obtained in reconstructing defects of one-third to two-thirds of the total anterior surface of the ear relying on the bridging phenomenon.
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