L. M. LAPALORCIA ET AL.483
Assessment of graft’s survival was verified on POD 5.
3. Discussion
Use of autologous chondrocutaneous graft from the
auricular region has been first described in the fifties by
Sathyanarayana Setty Pr et al. 12 in the sixties 13, in
the eighties 6,7 and in the nineties in a microvascular-
ized variant described by Pribaz and Tanaka 14,15.
Subsequently several applications have been used in
multiple reconstructive setting s such as reconstruction of
ear defects, alar rim, nasal tip, nasal lower third aesthetic
subunits 3-5 with f a v orable results f o r p at ie n ts .
Use of bilateral grafts approached medially to recon-
struct a complete dome in a burned patient has not been
described and the success of the graft was encouraging
for us and aesthetically and function ally effective for the
patient.
Minimal morbidity of the donor site for extensive fa-
cial grafting was encountered and no complications oc-
curred 10,11.
Nasal inferior cartilaginous components were re-es-
tablished, nasal valve was reconstructed 16, and infe-
rior and lateral aesthetic units of the nose were restored
(Figure 6). Of course patient selection and accurate
planning of the operation are mandatory for a favorable
outcome and take of the graft. Smoking is contraindi-
Figure 6. Postoperative status of the patient on POD 60.
cated and nutritional status must be assessed. Surgical
technique has to be meticulous and follow up of the pa-
tient should be very close in order to intervene promptly
not only on the grafted area but also on the donor sites to
diagnose and treat complications.
On POD day 1 1 cc of blood was evacuated from the
left ear and organized otohematoma was avoided.
4. Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to: Mrs Anastasia Iliana Eco nomou for
picture editing and language revision.
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