Reimplantation of an amputated pinna: A case report and review of literature

Brajpal Singh Tyagi, Sushant Tyagi

Indian Journal of Otology 2017 23(3):208-210

Management of the partial or total amputations of the external ear has always stayed a difficult problem for otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons. For successful reimplantations of these amputations, multidisciplinary approach consisting of aggressive medical therapy with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, anticoagulation, and reperfusion in conjunction with efficient surgical approach is needed. The surgeon's main objective is to obtain the best cosmetic result without damaging the auricular area to allow for subsequent future ear reconstruction in case any failure occurs after replantation. To enhance the survival of a reattached ear segment, Mladick et al. have advocated the use of the retroauricular pocket. This technique involves deepithelialization of the amputated part of the avulsed cartilage, followed by reattachment to the amputation stump and then burial into a retroauricular skin pocket. This increases the surface area of the avulsed segment in contact with surrounding nutrients, maximizing the probability of graft uptake and survival. We have used this technique successfully in our case and found acceptable results with it.

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