Our Summary

This research paper is a review of 207 ear correction surgeries (otoplasties) performed at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, Australia over a five year period. The review focused on the rates of complications that occurred after the surgery. Two main techniques were used in these surgeries - the Chongchet and the Mustarde methods.

The study found that most of the patients (97%) stayed overnight in the hospital. There were some early complications such as bleeding (2.2%) with the Chongchet method and wound infection (0.9%) with the Mustarde method. Late complications included suture extrusion (1.9%) with the Mustarde method and hypertrophic scarring (2.2%) with the Chongchet method.

The study also found that 10% of the patients who had the Chongchet method needed a revision surgery, while only 2.9% of the patients who had the Mustarde method needed a revision. The Mustarde method also had a slightly lower need for anti-nausea medication than the Chongchet method.

Both methods required similar amounts of pain medication after the surgery. The researchers concluded that both methods had acceptable rates of complications and are considering doing these surgeries as day surgeries, which would be a safe and cost-effective option.

FAQs

  1. What are the main complications associated with the Chongchet and Mustarde methods used in otoplasties?
  2. What percentage of patients required a revision surgery after the Chongchet and Mustarde methods, respectively?
  3. Are the researchers considering changing the post-operative care for otoplasties to day surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about otoplasty is to carefully follow post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This can help minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process is progressing as expected. Additionally, avoiding activities that could put strain on the ears, such as contact sports, for a recommended period of time can help prevent complications.

Suitable For

Otoplasty is typically recommended for patients who have prominent or protruding ears that cause them distress or embarrassment. This can include both children and adults. Children who are candidates for otoplasty are usually around 5-6 years old, as this is when the ears have reached about 85% of their adult size. Adults who are considering otoplasty may have been self-conscious about their ears for many years and are seeking a permanent solution to improve their appearance.

Patients with a variety of ear deformities may benefit from otoplasty, including those with prominent ears, asymmetrical ears, large earlobes, or other congenital defects. Otoplasty can also be performed to correct ears that have been damaged due to trauma or injury.

Overall, otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears and are seeking a permanent solution to correct their concerns.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of what a patient experiences before and after otoplasty can be summarized as follows:

Before Otoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and potential risks of the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative assessment including medical history, physical examination, and possibly blood tests.
  3. Pre-operative instructions such as avoiding certain medications, fasting before surgery, and arranging for transportation to and from the hospital.
  4. Signing consent forms and discussing anesthesia options.
  5. Pre-operative photos may be taken for documentation purposes.

After Otoplasty:

  1. Recovery in the hospital overnight or possibly discharged the same day.
  2. Post-operative care instructions including wound care, medication management, and follow-up appointments.
  3. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days after surgery.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities, avoiding strenuous exercise and contact sports for several weeks.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  6. Results of the surgery become more apparent as swelling subsides over the following weeks and months.

Overall, otoplasty is a relatively safe procedure with low rates of complications, and patients can expect an improvement in the appearance of their ears with proper pre-operative preparation and post-operative care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with otoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after otoplasty surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of the Chongchet method compared to the Mustarde method?
  5. How many otoplasty surgeries has the doctor performed and what is their experience with the specific techniques?
  6. Will there be scarring after the surgery and how visible will it be?
  7. What kind of post-operative care will be needed and will there be any restrictions on activities?
  8. What are the chances of needing revision surgery after the initial procedure?
  9. How long will the results of the otoplasty last?
  10. What are the expected outcomes and realistic expectations for the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Punj P, Chong HP, Cundy TP, Lodge M, Woods R. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2018 Oct;88(10):1071-1075. doi: 10.1111/ans.14386. Epub 2018 May 8. PMID: 29740979