Background: Auricular deformity is a major problem and
topic of interest since ancient history. The methods of repair
have similar basis, but modifications through centuries led to
improve the outcome and avoid recorded complications. The
shape and variation of auricle size made reconstruction of
auricle a challenging process, and meticulous planning and
delicate surgery must be provided to redecorate the distrusted
auricle.
Objective: To assess the outcome of auricular defect
reconstruction in Sudanese patients.
Patients and Methods: Cross-Sectional, Multi-centric
study (Soba University Hospital, Khartoum North teaching
hospital and Association specialized hospital), Khartoum,
Sudan. Eighty patients who underwent auricular reconstruction
during the period from 2021 to 2022 were included. All
patients of auricle defects of different age groups of various
aetiologies were included, while those who have congenital
deformities and victims of burn have been excluded. Defects
have been classified according to the part involved to: upper,
middle and lower thirds.
Results: Out of eighty patients 57.5% were females, and
42.5% were males. The etiology of auricular deformity in
majority 55% was trauma, 36.3% was keloid, 3.8% was malignancy,
and only 2.5% was due to piercing. According to
site of deformity, right ear was involved in 46.3% of patients,
left ear in u43.8%, and 10% were bilateral. Surgery in 35% of
patients were immediate, while in 65% were delayed. Primary
repair was used in 40%, followed by intralesional excision in
36.3% and local regional flap in 16.3%. Visual satisfaction
was excellent in 22.5%, acceptable in 42.5%, and poor in 5%.
Majority of patients didn't develop any complications.
Conclusion: Acquired auricular defects are a major problem,
disrupting the aesthetic component of the face of substantial
number of population. Also we conclude that the
results of our study are consistent with those reported in the
literature. In future local and national studies should be
performed, and accordingly protocols and guidelines should
be instituted, so that this problem can be managed properly.