THE STAGED RETROAURICULAR TO AURICULAR DIRECT PEDICLE (INTERPOLATION)FLAP FOR HELICAL EAR RECONSTRUCTION

Background: A significant soft-tissue defect involving the helix of th e external ear may present a difficult challenge to repair. Objective: We describe our experience with the staged retroauricular to auricula r pedicle flap for repair of soft-tissue defects with exposed cartilag e of the helix of the ear. Methods: The staged pedicle flap was used t o repair 26 helical ear defects after excision of basal cell carcinoma (n = 16), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 3), and melanoma (n = 7). Resu lts: Defect size ranged from 1 x 2 cm to 4 x 6 cm (average 2.4 x 3.3 c m). Defects involved the superior helix in 12 patients, mid helix in 1 1, end inferior helix in three. No cases of infection or flap necrosis occurred. Conclusion: The staged retroauricular to auricular pedicle flap consistently provides a good to excellent functional and cosmetic outcome when performed on properly selected helical ear defects.