Summary
Introduction
Resection of skin cancers of the conchal fossa and anti-helical rim presents a challenging
reconstructive problem. A full thickness skin graft is often used following excision
of the cartilage underlying the lesion. Colour mismatch, a contour defect and a donor
site scar are potential drawbacks to this method of reconstruction. The postauricular
trap door flap offers a superior option for these defects.
Aims
This study aims to assess the reliability and outcomes of the trap door flap for defects
of the anterior surface of the pinna.
Methods
A retrospective review of all trap door flaps carried out in Galway University Hospital
was carried out. Charts were reviewed in order to examine operative notes and assess
for any complications and length of follow up.
Results
45 Patients were operated on by a single surgeon. The age range was 61–93 years. The
majority of lesions excised were from the conchal area with 6 defects predominantly
involving the scapha. No partial or complete flap loss occurred. 2 patients required
further excision due to an incomplete margin and a local recurrence respectively.
Follow up ranged from 3 months to 4 years with excellent cosmetic results were achieved
in all cases with no scar issues at the flap or donor sites.
Conclusion
The trap door flap is an excellent method of conchal reconstruction. It is reliable
and reproducible with no flap loss demonstrated in our series of 45 patients. Large
defects can be reconstructed with this flap and the cosmetic result in terms of colour
and contour, as well as a hidden donor site scar, make this a superior option to a
full thickness skin graft.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 01, 2013
Accepted:
May 17,
2013
Received:
April 22,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ScienceDirect
Access this article on ScienceDirectLinked Article
- Response to ‘The trap door flap: A reliable, reproducible method of anterior pinna reconstruction’Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic SurgeryVol. 67Issue 6
- PreviewWe read with interest the article “The trap door flap: A reliable, reproducible method of anterior pinna reconstruction”, by McInerney et al.,1 who reported their experience in reconstruction of ear defects with the trap door flap. We congratulate the authors for their excellent results and remarkable case series but we believe that the manuscript deserves some comments.
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