Our Summary

This study involved a surgical procedure called otoplasty, which is often done to fix protruding ears. There are many ways to do this surgery and a variety of materials called sutures are used to stitch up the wounds. However, there isn’t a universally preferred method or suture material. This study aimed to compare two commonly used sutures, Nylon and Mersilene, to see if one is better than the other. The researchers used rabbits for the study, with each rabbit getting one ear stitched with Nylon and the other with Mersilene. After two weeks, they measured the bend of the ear and examined the tissue under a microscope. They found that both sutures worked equally well and there was no difference in the shape of the ears or the healing process. In simple terms, both Nylon and Mersilene sutures are effective for this kind of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is otoplasty and why is it performed?
  2. What was the aim of the study comparing Nylon and Mersilene sutures in otoplasty?
  3. What were the findings of the study comparing the effectiveness of Nylon and Mersilene sutures?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the ears clean and dry, wearing a protective headband as directed, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the ears. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for otoplasty are those who have protruding or prominent ears that they are self-conscious about. This can include children as young as five years old, as well as adults. Otoplasty can also be used to correct other ear deformities, such as lop ear, cup ear, or shell ear. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and to be in good overall health before undergoing otoplasty.

Timeline

Before otoplasty:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a good candidate for otoplasty.
  2. Pre-operative tests may be conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including avoiding certain medications and foods.
  4. On the day of surgery, the patient will arrive at the surgical facility and meet with the surgical team.

After otoplasty:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room immediately following surgery.
  2. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage discomfort.
  3. Patient will be advised on how to care for the surgical site and any dressings that may be applied.
  4. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures.
  5. Swelling and bruising may be present for a few weeks following surgery, but will gradually improve over time.
  6. Patient can typically return to normal activities within a few weeks, with final results becoming more apparent as swelling subsides.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. What is the recovery process like after otoplasty surgery?
  3. How long will it take for me to see the final results of the surgery?
  4. Will there be any scarring after the surgery and how can it be minimized?
  5. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to otoplasty that I should consider?
  6. How many otoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will the surgery take and will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
  9. What should I expect in terms of post-operative pain and discomfort?
  10. Are there any specific instructions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Taylor BA, Hong P. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2016 Mar;27(2):477-9. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000002409. PMID: 26967081