Our Summary

The research paper is about a new method for reconstructing the outer rim of the ear, which is often challenging due to the ear’s unique structure. The authors tested a technique called the chondrocutaneous hatchet flap-Z plasty (HFZP) method on 14 patients who needed surgery to remove tumors from the rim of their ear.

The tumors were different types of skin cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. The surgery was done under local anesthesia, and the authors took note of factors like the patients’ age, gender, the type and location of the tumor, and how good the ear looked after surgery.

The patients were mostly men, with an average age of 72 years. The majority of the tumors were found in the upper third of the ear rim. On average, the surgery took about 24 minutes. The results showed that the ears of most patients (about 79%) looked excellent after surgery, some (about 14%) looked good, and one patient (about 7%) didn’t have a good outcome.

Importantly, there were no post-surgery complications like tissue death, infection, stitches coming out, excessive bleeding, or blood accumulation.

The authors conclude that the HFZP method is a simple, one-step surgery that uses the patient’s own tissue, so the color matches perfectly. The surgery doesn’t require removing healthy skin or cartilage, so the size of the ear doesn’t change much.

FAQs

  1. What is the chondrocutaneous hatchet flap-Z plasty (HFZP) method used for?
  2. What were the results of the study on the HFZP method for ear reconstruction?
  3. Were there any complications or side effects after the HFZP method surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about z-plasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding activities that could put strain on the area, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in the healing process to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for z-plasty procedures include those with:

  1. Scar contractures: Z-plasty can help release tight scars that are limiting range of motion or causing discomfort.
  2. Hypertrophic or keloid scars: Z-plasty can help improve the appearance and reduce the size of raised scars.
  3. Skin grafts or flaps: Z-plasty can be used to improve the final appearance of skin grafts or flaps by redistributing tension along the incision lines.
  4. Contractures around joints: Z-plasty can help release tight skin around joints, allowing for better movement.
  5. Congenital anomalies: Z-plasty can be used to correct certain types of congenital anomalies, such as webbed fingers or toes.
  6. Tumor removal: In cases where tumors need to be removed from areas with limited skin, z-plasty can help close the wound with minimal distortion of surrounding tissues.

Timeline

Before z-plasty:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a tumor on the outer rim of the ear.
  2. Surgery is recommended to remove the tumor.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-surgical consultations and evaluations.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and performed under local anesthesia.
  5. Tumor is removed from the ear rim.

After z-plasty:

  1. Patient undergoes reconstruction of the outer rim of the ear using the chondrocutaneous hatchet flap-Z plasty (HFZP) method.
  2. Surgery takes about 24 minutes on average.
  3. Patients’ ears are assessed post-surgery for outcomes.
  4. Most patients (about 79%) have excellent outcomes, some (about 14%) have good outcomes, and one patient (about 7%) has a less favorable outcome.
  5. No post-surgery complications are reported, such as tissue death, infection, or excessive bleeding.
  6. The authors conclude that the HFZP method is a simple and effective technique for ear rim reconstruction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the chondrocutaneous hatchet flap-Z plasty (HFZP) method and how does it differ from other reconstructive techniques for the outer rim of the ear?

  2. What are the potential benefits of the HFZP method compared to other surgical options for ear reconstruction?

  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with the HFZP method?

  4. What is the success rate of the HFZP method in terms of cosmetic outcomes and functional results?

  5. How long is the recovery process after undergoing the HFZP method?

  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions that I should follow after the surgery?

  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional procedures after the HFZP surgery?

  8. How long do the results of the HFZP method typically last?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options I should consider for reconstructing the outer rim of my ear?

  10. What is the overall success rate of the HFZP method based on your experience with previous patients?

Reference

Authors: Durğun M, Baş S. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2019 May;82(5):533-536. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001774. PMID: 30882403