A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap
Abstract Background The V to Y advancement flap offers an excellent option for reconstructing defects of the lobule and adjacent structures of the external ear. We demonstrate its utility for small defects of the earlobe including those extending to the antitragal and conchal bowl regions. To our kn...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2021-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-021-00513-1 |
| _version_ | 1797965208323358720 |
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| author | Laura Allen Kelti Munroe S. Mark Taylor |
| author_facet | Laura Allen Kelti Munroe S. Mark Taylor |
| author_sort | Laura Allen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The V to Y advancement flap offers an excellent option for reconstructing defects of the lobule and adjacent structures of the external ear. We demonstrate its utility for small defects of the earlobe including those extending to the antitragal and conchal bowl regions. To our knowledge use of this technique for earlobe reconstruction has not been reported. Methods A review of the literature was performed on the use of the V to Y flap for earlobe reconstruction. We then described its use in reconstructing lobular defects in 6 patients. All patients had a non-melanoma skin cancer involving the earlobe. All surgeries were performed under local anesthetic at a tertiary care centre in Halifax, Canada. Defects ranged in size from 1.0 to 1.4 cm. All defects were reconstructed with only a V to Y advancement flap. Patient photographs were taken intra-operatively and post-operatively. For all patients, satisfaction of the final aesthetic result was assessed on a 10 point scale in follow-up at 6 months. Results A review of the literature did not reveal any reports of the V to Y flap used in isolation for lobular reconstruction. At our centre from 2018 to 2020, this method was well tolerated under local anesthetic in 6 patients with non-melanoma skin cancers of the earlobe. All patients reported an aesthetically satisfying result at 6 months with scores ranging between 8 and 10. Scarring in all cases was minimal. Conclusion The V to Y advancement flap is a simple technique for reconstructing small defects of the lobule. This method is technically straight-forward, poses minimal risk to the patient, and in our experience, yields a favourable cosmetic outcome. Graphical abstract |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T01:55:25Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-85f3aa37ab424becadb90d50f5b9e3b4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1916-0216 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T01:55:25Z |
| publishDate | 2021-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
| spelling | doaj.art-85f3aa37ab424becadb90d50f5b9e3b42023-01-03T05:17:12ZengBMCJournal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery1916-02162021-05-015011710.1186/s40463-021-00513-1A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flapLaura Allen0Kelti Munroe1S. Mark Taylor2Division of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British ColumbiaFaculty of Medicine, Dalhousie UniversityDivision of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie UniversityAbstract Background The V to Y advancement flap offers an excellent option for reconstructing defects of the lobule and adjacent structures of the external ear. We demonstrate its utility for small defects of the earlobe including those extending to the antitragal and conchal bowl regions. To our knowledge use of this technique for earlobe reconstruction has not been reported. Methods A review of the literature was performed on the use of the V to Y flap for earlobe reconstruction. We then described its use in reconstructing lobular defects in 6 patients. All patients had a non-melanoma skin cancer involving the earlobe. All surgeries were performed under local anesthetic at a tertiary care centre in Halifax, Canada. Defects ranged in size from 1.0 to 1.4 cm. All defects were reconstructed with only a V to Y advancement flap. Patient photographs were taken intra-operatively and post-operatively. For all patients, satisfaction of the final aesthetic result was assessed on a 10 point scale in follow-up at 6 months. Results A review of the literature did not reveal any reports of the V to Y flap used in isolation for lobular reconstruction. At our centre from 2018 to 2020, this method was well tolerated under local anesthetic in 6 patients with non-melanoma skin cancers of the earlobe. All patients reported an aesthetically satisfying result at 6 months with scores ranging between 8 and 10. Scarring in all cases was minimal. Conclusion The V to Y advancement flap is a simple technique for reconstructing small defects of the lobule. This method is technically straight-forward, poses minimal risk to the patient, and in our experience, yields a favourable cosmetic outcome. Graphical abstracthttps://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-021-00513-1FlapSurgicalEar auriclesEarSkin neoplasmsAesthetics |
| spellingShingle | Laura Allen Kelti Munroe S. Mark Taylor A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Flap Surgical Ear auricles Ear Skin neoplasms Aesthetics |
| title | A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap |
| title_full | A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap |
| title_fullStr | A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap |
| title_full_unstemmed | A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap |
| title_short | A novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the V to Y advancement flap |
| title_sort | novel approach to earlobe reconstruction using the v to y advancement flap |
| topic | Flap Surgical Ear auricles Ear Skin neoplasms Aesthetics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-021-00513-1 |
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