Background: We present the results and complications with autologous rib cartilage in comparison to other materials in nasal and auricular reconstruction using a large patient collective from our clinic.
Material and methods: The retrospective study included all cases of auricular and nasal reconstruction via rib cartilage between 2001 and 2009. The outcome was analysed by subjective and objective parameters.
Results: 51/321 patients underwent plastic reconstructive surgery of the nose, 270/321 received a partial or complete auricle reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage. The complication rate e.g. of hematomas, lesions of the pleura, postoperative pain and keloids at the donation site was small. Concerning the aesthetic results of the nose and auricles 273 of 321 (85%) were satisfied after the first operation. Only 3/51 nasal reconstructions underwent a second operation. In case of complete auricular reconstructions, all patients underwent at least 2 operations for the three-dimensional look.
Conclusions: The use of autologous rip cartilage is still a good option in the auricular and nasal reconstruction. Depending on the expertise of the surgeon the postoperative aesthetic results are good with a low complication rate. However concerning the bigger effort in several aspects for the surgeon as the patient it should be reserved to specific indication criterias.
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