Combined Mustardé and Furnas type otoplasty: the experience of 85 patients

Abstract:

Objective: To present combined technique (Mustardé and Furnas otoplasty) experience and to analyze the cosmetic results achieved and the incidence of complications and their management in otoplasty surgery.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed within the clinical databases for patients who had undergone combined Mustardé and Furnas otoplasty procedure. A total of 147 patients with protruding ears underwent otoplasty procedure from March 2008 and November 2012. Eighty-five of these 147 patients were operated with combined Mustardé and Furnas otoplasty procedure and met the eligibility criteria for the study. Data were tabulated and analyzed in regard to age, sex, method of otoplasty, side involved, and complications.

Results: Seventy-one patients underwent bilateral procedures and 14, unilateral, for a total of 156 ears reconstructed. One patient developed keloids treated with excision, and combination of topical and injected steroids. Suture extrusion, the most frequent but the most minor complication, was noted in eight ears. All extruded sutures were removed while the patient was under local anesthesia, and none of these patients required any additional procedures. Undercorrection was noted in seven ears which led to secondary correction.

Conclusion: The combined Mustardé and Furnas type otoplasty technique is a simple and safe procedure that does not cause anterior scarring or skin necrosis. In addition, the reconstructed ear shows reliable results in firmness and stability against external force or trauma.