Purpose
Cutaneous periauricular defects following resection of head and neck malignancies are commonly encountered by the reconstructive surgeon. Cancers arising in this area are of higher risk and comprehensive excisions are warranted, leading to defects with significant functional and aesthetic burden. Over time, locoregional flaps for defects of the head and neck are being employed less frequently as the efficacy of free flaps in a broad patient population continually improves. Optimal outcomes, however, are not always the result of microsurgical reconstruction, and local tissue may provide superior qualities.
This presentation will seek to classify periauricular defects and highlight multiple feasible local and regional options available in each of the sub-sites described. Case examples will be discussed and a review of the current a literature undertaken.
The purpose is to prompt the reconstructive surgeon to consider all options when presented with these defects and consider the benefits of locoregional reconstruction.
Methodology
A novel classification system of cutaneous periauricular defects was formulated, and reconstructive options for each proposed. A literature review of PubMed and MedLine was performed using terms related to each defect and type of reconstruction – a total of forty-two papers were reviewed. Cases are used to illustrate several of these operative choices.
Conclusion
Locoregional flaps can provide reliable and aesthetically favourable reconstruction of cutaneous periauricular defects and should be considered when reconstruction is planned.