Prominent Ears - a Contribution to the Surgical Technique According to Mustardé andFurnas

Overview

The author defines the term prominent ear. Describes an examination of the patientbefore operation, differences between children and adult patients. Goals of otoplasty are summedup in this paper. Surgical techniques are explained in the historical survey, the surgical techniqueaccording to Mustardé and Furnas is described step by step. The author operated 216 ears in 109patients (1994 - 2001), one-side otoplasty in 4 patients. Otoplasty was most often practised in the agegroup up 5 and under 7 years. There were more females (59.6%) in the study group. The average agewas 10.4. 60.6% of the patients were operated in general anaesthesia, the oldest patient was 14 yearsold.The youngest patient operated under local anaesthesia was7 years old.Because of unsatisfactorypostoperative results 4 patients were reoperated - only on one side. That represents 3.8% of thepatients. Postoperative bleeding was registered in 3 patients (2.8% of the patients). Suppuration anda minor skin necrosis occurred in another 2 patients. These 2 complications account for 1.8% of theall operated patients. Conforming to the to literature resources the surgical technique according toMustardé and Furnas has outstanding results. The technique is rapid and easy to learn. No cartilageincisions or excisions are needed, thus minimizing the potential for sharp edges. Sutures modellingcartilage are not visible.A skin suture using absorbable materials is especially well accepted by childpatients. Reoperation is easy.

Key words:
prominent ear, otoplasty, surgical technique according to Mustradé and Furnas.