OTOPLASTY
(_Surgery of the Ear_)
This branch of surgery has to do with the corrective and restorative
operations of and about the external ear.
Traumatisms of the auricle, owing to the exposed position of that organ,
are frequently met with and are commonly the result of stab wounds,
direct blows, shot wounds, and human bites, especially in Spaniards and
Italians, who follow this queer kind of revenge upon one another.
Such wounds of the ear may involve only part of or the whole of the
auricle. Loss of auricular substance may also be the results of gangrene
following freezing or the direct result of burns.
Fracture of the cartilage of the ear is exceedingly rare (Schwartze).
Where the injury is one of incision or laceration without loss of
the part, the site should be cleansed gently but thoroughly with a
boric-acid solution, and the free torn edges brought together with fine
silk sutures. If the cartilage projects unduly into the line of union
it should be trimmed away with a fine pair of scissors (Roser). Wounds
of such character usually heal well, even if the pieces hang loosely by
threads of skin, a linear indent of cicatricial tissue usually marking
the traumatic separation of the cartilage.
In the negro where razor cuts about the ear are often seen, a
hypertrophic scar or keloid is liable to result, even to the extent of
involving the punctures of the suturing needle.
It is advisable to save all that is left of the injured member, even if
entirely severed, with the hope of obtaining union, since the rebuilding
of even part of an ear is by no means an easy matter, owing to the
complicated formation of the cartilaginous frame.
Wounds about the meatus are liable to result in stenosis, which should
be guarded against by packing of small strips of gauze or in the case
of loss of substance immediately about the orifice by the employment
of a sliding flap taken from the skin of the vicinity or by the
transplantation of a nonpedunculated skin flap taken from some other part
of the body and sewn into place.
RESTORATION OF THE AURICLE
If a loss of substance of the auricle cannot be avoided, the surgeon must
rely upon otoplastic means to make up the deficiency.
For the best cosmetic defects it is desirable to have as much of the
cartilage remaining as possible. The stump of the ear is freshened at its
outer margin with the bistoury and the frontal skin carefully dissected
away from the cartilage to the extent of a quarter inch.
A flap, one third larger than the defect to be supplied, is now outlined
on the skin back of the ear in such a way that the flap included therein
will not be subjected to too much torsion.
This flap must necessarily vary in shape and size, according to the
nature of the deformity to be corrected. It may even extend into the hair
of the scalp over the squamoparietal region of the head or a part of the
neck laterally and below the ear.
This flap, after careful estimation as to size, should be dissected up
freely down to the periosteum, leaving a bridge of tissue at the point
where the least resistance will be caused after its free end has been
sutured to the remains of the ear.
The free flap is stitched to the stump with several silk sutures.
After bleeding has been controlled, a few layers of borated gauze are
introduced under the flap to prevent its reattachment and to encourage
its thickening, and the entire site of the operation dusted over with
an antiseptic powder, and covered with loose folds of sterile gauze. A
bandage can be lightly applied over the whole to keep the parts in place.
The success of union of the flap depends upon the immobility of the
parts while healing is taking place. The patient is to rest at night in
a semirecumbent position with the head held down firmly on the uninjured
side with the aid of a tight-fitting linen cap made for the purpose and
tied by attached tails of the same material to the bed in such a way that
the head cannot be turned during sleep, yet allowing of more or less
movement in either direction, never enough, however, to cause tension
in the flap. During the day the patient should be on his feet as usual,
since the operation is hardly severe enough to compel absolute rest.
As soon as the union of the flap to the ear has been established, which
is about the eighth day, the sutures are carefully removed to avoid
irritation, but the pedicle of the flap is not to be severed until
the tenth or fifteenth day, when satisfactory circulation has been
established.
The flap when severed will shrink more or less, but will be seen to be
somewhat thicker than when dissected up in the primary operation.
Nothing should be done for a few days hereafter except to keep the
granulating surfaces of the flap and back of the ear aseptically clean
and healthy.
As soon as the flap loses its pale color and takes on a pinkish glow it
may be deemed safe to cover the granulating or secondary wound on the
head with grafts of skin, using whatever method most suitable for the
purpose. The transplantation of a single flap of skin taken from the
anterior border of the arm is perhaps productive of the best result.
To assure of success the graft may be healed under the blood dressing;
the methods for which have been fully described heretofore.
Once the secondary wound is healed the surgeon’s attention must be given
to the flap attached to the stump. By the aid of the judicious use of the
nitrate-of-silver pencil certain parts of this flap may be stimulated to
become thickened.
The upper or outer border of the flap should be taken under operation
first to form the new helix of the ear. This can be done by making
several incisions along its free edge and gently turning backward these
small flaps so that their raw surfaces face that of the flap.
This procedure, if neatly done, will eventually give a thickened border
to the superior rim.
Should the flap have been cut large enough to permit of lining its entire
back this can be done, but care must be exercised not to cause a too
abrupt folding over of the same, as gangrene is likely to result. The
more slowly this freshening is accomplished the better will the result be
eventually.
If, however, this flap will not permit of autolining, and its raw surface
presents a healthy granulated appearance, recourse may be had to the
transplantation of a flap from the arm upon it and fastened to the
denuded edges of the aural flap.
As soon as healing has been established a number of delicate, often
complicated incisions are made in the newly formed part of the ear to
give it proper shape and size.
Kuhnt has obtained excellent results in a case where he employed a flap
from the back of the ear, combined with two pedunculated tongue-shaped
flaps taken from the cheek above and the neck below, which he twisted
about back of the flap of the newly formed ear, so that their epidermal
surfaces faced its raw surface with the object of giving greater
thickness to the ear at that point.
At best, however, the restoration of an entire ear may be considered
impracticable, and only in such cases where the greater part of the ear
remains can cosmetic results be looked for.
In the illustration shown the author restored the upper third of the ear
shown above the line drawn obliquely across the ear. Seventeen delicate
operations were necessary to obtain the result (see Fig. 115).
[Illustration: FIG. 115.—PARTIAL RESTORATION OF THE AURICLE. (Author’s
case.)]
Where the loss of substance is not too great and along the helix of the
ear, a flap can be taken from the back of the ear, leaving it attached at
its cicatrized union with the primary wound, and sliding this flap upward
or outward until the defect of the helix is overcorrected to allow for
contraction and suturing the flap in its new position.
The secondary wound if too large to permit of direct union with sutures
may at once be covered with a flap taken from the anterior border of the
arm, or, if preferred, from the inner aspect of the calf of the leg. The
wound occasioned by the removal of the graft can easily be closed by
suture, leaving simply a linear scar of little consequence. Usually such
defects of the rim can be hidden by the combing of the hair, especially
in women.
AURICULAR PROTHESES
When the injury has resulted in complete loss of the organ or so much of
it that its remaining stump will not permit of otoplasty, protheses or
artificial ears or parts of ears may be employed to render the patient
less unsightly. These protheses are usually made of aluminum, papier
maché, or rubber, and painted to match the good ear. They are attached
with a special kind of gum, termed zinc-leim, which makers of such
protheses furnish, or are held by metal springs, which are inserted
under strips or bridges of skin surgically created for the purpose. The
esthetic effect is surprisingly good in most cases.
COLOBOMA
A very common injury observed in women is laceration of the lobule of
the ear or ears, generally due to the wearing of heavy earrings, which
gradually cut their way through the tissues. Coloboma may be occasioned
by the forcible tearing out of the earrings; it has also been found to be
congenital in rare cases.
The simplest method for correcting this deformity is to cut away both
cicatrized edges of the defect by the aid of the angular scissors,
exposing fully the width of the lobular tissue on both sides (Fig. 116),
as the cicatricial edges are likely to be thinner than the lobule proper,
and if brought together would leave a depression along the line of union.
The freshened cut surfaces are brought together with fine silk sutures,
an inferior one being taken in the outer border, so as to establish
perfect coaptation at this point (Fig. 117).
The objection to the above operation is that invariably owing to the
resultant contraction a notch is formed at the union of the angles of the
freshened wound. To avoid this the operation shown in Fig. 118 is to be
employed (Greene).
[Illustration: FIG. 116.—CORRECTION OF LOBULAR DEFECT.]
[Illustration: FIG. 117.—COAPTATION OF WOUND.]
[Illustration: FIG. 118. FIG. 119.
GREENE METHOD.]
The bistoury is thrust through the lobule at the point _A_ and an
incision is made to follow at a little distance the defect along the line
_D_. This frees the cicatrix except at the pedicle _A_. A transverse
incision is now made above the point _A_ corresponding to the curved
exsection of the opposite side except for a thin strip of tissue _B_.
This delicate little flap is preserved and severed a short distance
beyond.
The raw edges when now brought in apposition will assume the form in Fig.
119. The wound is sutured as in the simpler operation.
[Illustration: FIG. 120.—NOYES’S CLAMP.]
These operations are best performed under local anesthesia, the
two-per-cent eucain being preferred. There is practically little
bleeding, but even this may be avoided by applying a large Noyes’
compression clamp with its angular arms so placed as to include the
entire lobule (Fig. 120).
MALFORMATION OF THE LOBULE
There may be an enlargement of or an absence of the lobule.
ENLARGEMENT OF THE LOBULE
In the enlargement of the lobule the operation last described may be
resorted to, making the now supposed coloboma the triangular amount
of tissue to be removed. It will be found that the upper curve of the
incisions must be carried much higher in cases of this kind, furthermore,
that they should define a sharper angle at this point.
The simple exsection of a triangular piece of the lobule and suturing
is commonly practiced, with the objection of the notch previously
referred to. This operation is very quickly done, and if care be taken in
bringing the raw surfaces together neatly a splendid result is attained,
especially if the incisions are made obliquely to the plane of the skin.
ATTACHMENT OF THE LOBE
There may be a shortening of the lobule, or, as is more frequently seen,
the attachment of the inner lateral border of the lobe to the skin
opposite.
This attachment of the lobe has been alleged by criminologists to be
a mark of the degenerate. If this be so it can scarcely apply to the
Japanese, in whom it is found as a racial fact.
As the defect is often objected to by patients its correction may be
considered briefly.
An incision is made in the inferior auricle and in the skin below it, as
shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 121, removing the triangular piece of
tissue included therein.
[Illustration: FIG. 121. FIG. 122.
CORRECTION OF ATTACHED LOBE.]
The wound is then sutured with fine silk, as shown in Fig. 122, and
allowed to heal. The result is very gratifying in most cases.
MALFORMATION OF THE AURICLE
Malformations of the ear are due to the arrest of development, termed
microtia, excessive development, or macrotia, and malposition.
MICROTIA
The total absence of the auricular appendage is quite rare. One or
the other part of the ear is usually found, either partially or fully
developed, giving to the ear an irregular rolled-up appearance. This
defect may be unilateral or bilateral.
It may be associated with congenital fistula (_Fistula auris congenita_),
varying in length from one fourth to one inch, and secreting a serouslike
fluid. These fistulæ are usually found anteriorly and above the tragus,
the lobule, or more rarely at the crus helix, or even behind the ear.
Sometimes these fistulæ communicate with the middle ear or even the
esophagus. They are due to imperfect development _in utero_. In microtia
little can be done surgically, since the malformation is usually so
pronounced as to exclude all methods of restoration.
Szymanowski advises making an ear from the skin immediately back of the
auditory canal if present, making the incisions of the shape shown in
Fig. 123.
[Illustration: FIG. 123.—RESTORATION OF AURICLE, SZYMANOWSKI METHOD.]
The flap included in these incisions is dissected up and doubled on
itself posteriorly. The doubled flap thus formed is brought forward and
placed as near into the linear position as the ear should have. The
flap is then sutured through and through to make the raw surfaces heal
together. The secondary wound and the treatment of the flap are carried
out as already referred to under restoration of the auricle.
Several later delicate operations are done to add to the shape of the
newly made organ, but at best the effect is far from even good.
In the case of Mr. B., illustrated in Fig. 124, an attempt was made to
enlarge the somewhat elastic roll of tissue corresponding to the helix
by several injections of paraffin. The result proved to be anything but
satisfactory; in fact, the prominence of the malformed upper ear was made
more evident, and painful when subjected to pressure, so that the patient
was compelled to refrain from lying on that side of the head.
[Illustration: FIG. 124.—AURICULAR STUMP FOR ATTACHMENT OF ARTIFICIAL
EAR.]
[Illustration: FIG. 125.—AURICULAR PROTHESIS.]
There had been also congenital atresia of the auditory meatus, which
had been operated for, leaving a hair-lined opening, leading down to a
useless middle ear, a condition sometimes associated with microtia.
In presenting himself to the author for operation it was decided that
the otoplastic methods for the restoration of the ear were out of the
question, as is usually the fact in these cases.
The hard mass of tissue referred to and corresponding to the helix
was reduced considerably, so that the stump obtained was soft and
pliable, with not only the object of overcoming the sensitiveness
and inconvenience of the part, but to obtain as good a base for the
attachment of an artificial ear as possible (see Fig. 124).
[Illustration: FIG. 126.—AURICULAR PROTHESIS APPLIED TO STUMP.]
[Illustration: FIG. 127.—ANTERIOR VIEW OF AURICULAR PROTHESIS.]
[Illustration: FIG. 128.—POSTERIOR VIEW OF AURICULAR PROTHESIS.]
The author advises a complete amputation of such underdeveloped ears,
since a better and firmer seat of attachment is offered thereby to the
prothesis to be worn over it, at the same time giving the artificial
organ a better position in reference to its normal relation to the face.
An irregular stump makes this more or less difficult, as in the case just
referred to, but even these patients are loath to part with an irregular
ugly mass of tissue they consider themselves thankful to be born with.
The auricular prothesis used in this case is shown in Fig. 125, and its
position and appearance when placed on the stump is shown in Fig. 126.
Another, showing both anterior and posterior surfaces, is given in Figs.
127 and 128.
The fistular conditions mentioned should be thoroughly dissected out
and healed from the bottom when practical by antiseptic gauze packing.
Those involving the middle ear require special treatment that cannot be
included under plastic procedure.
MACROTIA
Abnormal enlargement of the ear is often found in the idiot, but is
commonly seen as a hereditary defect in many without having the least
relation to the mental development of the person. These conditions occur
more frequently in men than in women.
Enlargement always depends upon overdevelopment of the cartilaginous
structure of the auricle, and may also be the result of direct violence,
the result of blows upon the organ, as in prize fighters, football
players, and other athletes.
Following violence the auricle undergoes either an acute or chronic
hypertrophy of the chondrium, resulting in the condition known as the
“cauliflower ear.”
Again, there may be hematoma occasioned by direct violence, termed
othematoma traumaticum, or a spontaneous development of such hematoma
without any appreciable injury, as found in the insane. In the latter
form the disease appears suddenly without warning or inflammatory
manifestations, the hematoma reaching its full size in three or four
days, after which a passive resolution in the form of absorption of
the tumor takes place associated more or less with an organization of
the blood mass, and leaving the auricular appendage unduly enlarged,
distorted, and thickened, with here and there islands of seemingly
detached or displaced cartilage firmly adherent to the overlying skin.
Early in these cases much can be done by the application of external
medication, depletion, and pressure bandage, and the removal of the
effusion producing the swelling and lying between the perichondrium and
the cartilage, by the introduction of a trocar cannula or by incision, as
may be required.
The union between cartilage and perichondrium is always slow, requiring
about three weeks in the traumatic variety and often months in the
noninflammatory form.
Be the enlargement due to whatever cause, the patient not infrequently
presents himself for a correction of the deformity.
The slightest of such deformities is a tiplike enlargement of the outer
and upper angle of the helix, most commonly unilateral. This has been
termed “_fox ear_.”
In this condition there is more or less loss of the curl of the helix,
with flattening beginning well down in the fossa, extending upward, and
terminating in a triangular cartilaginous tip resembling the ear of an
animal, hence the name.
The correction of this fault is quite simple. An incision somewhat
larger than the base of the cartilaginous triangle is made under a local
anesthetic about one fourth inch below and back of the line corresponding
to the superior border of the helix. The cartilage is exposed through
this incision and excised with a fine curved scissors without wounding
the anterior skin of the helix, and the incision neatly sutured, leaving
the now redundant skin to contract.
In this manner the fault is corrected without any appreciable scar.
The sutures can be removed in three or four days.
In the correction of macrotia various surgical methods may be employed,
yet none can be emphasized, as exclusively indicated, inasmuch as the
enlargements may involve one or the other part of the pinna.
The greatest fault with most of these ears lies in the overdevelopment of
the triangular antihelix or that area lying posterior to the fossa of the
antihelix and the fossa of the helix, although in many cases the greatest
malformation is found in the concha itself.
The following methods for operation are therefore given not so much for
their individual merit, but to act as a guide in the selection of an
appropriate election or modification for specific cases.
=Schwartze Method.=—Schwartze advises and has obtained excellent results
by removing a long elliptical piece of the entire thickness of the pinna,
including both skin and cartilage, from the fossa of the helix, followed
by the excision of a triangular section with its base corresponding
to the outer border of the helix and its apex terminating well in the
concavity of the concha. The scheme of procedure is shown in Figs. 129
and 130. The raw edges are brought together by fine silk sutures, which
are made to pass directly through the cartilage, and tied carefully to
prevent any change of the transfixed parts, which would mar the result
of the operation more or less and necessitate further interference. The
arrangement of the sutures and the disposition of the parts are shown in
Fig. 131.
[Illustration: FIG. 129. FIG. 130. FIG. 131.
SCHWARTZE METHOD.]
=Parkhill Method.=—Parkhill advises a semilunar incision from the fossa
of the helix with a rhomboidal exsection of the helix, as shown in Fig.
132, and suturing the parts, as shown in Fig. 133.
[Illustration: FIG. 132. FIG. 133.
PARKHILL METHOD.]
The tonguelike ends of the semilunar incisions must, of course, vary
in length, according to the amount of tissue necessary to remove to
facilitate accurate juxtaposition of the newly designed flaps.
=Author’s Method.=—The latter operation is most successful where the
upper part of the pinna is unusually flat. It does not correct this
flatness, however, which is often an objection, hence the author suggests
excising a section of the entire thickness of the ear from the fossa
somewhat in the form shown in Fig. 134, curving the two deeper invading
incisions, so that when the parts are brought together a concavity will
be given the antihelix, as in the natural auricle.
[Illustration: FIG. 134. FIG. 135.
AUTHOR’S METHOD.]
The rearrangement of the parts in this event is shown in Fig. 135. The
only objection to the above may be found in the two linear scars across
the antihelix entirely overcome by the Parkhill operation, wherein the
line of union falls just below the rim of the helix and into the groove
commonly found there, yet any of these scars shows little in well-done
operations and when union takes place by first intention.
There will always appear a notchlike depression where the newly cut ends
of the helix are brought together, owing to the cicatrix involving the
space between the cartilaginous borders.
Inasmuch as this notch necessarily shows the most prominent part of the
ear, the author advocates the following method in which the notch is
brought anterior to the fossa of the antihelix; in other words, near to
the point of the union of the helix with the skin of the face about on a
line with the superior border of the zygomatic process; a point where the
hair is in close proximity with the ear and where the scar can be more
easily covered.
The form of incision is somewhat sickle shaped, the upper curvature of
the incision following the inferior border of the helix and extending
well into the fossa of the helix, as shown in Fig. 136. Where the
antihelix is particularly large a triangular section may be removed, as
shown at _A_, with a corresponding shortening of the helix flap at _B_.
The latter gives more contour to the ear as well.
[Illustration: FIG. 136. FIG. 137.
AUTHOR’S METHOD.]
The parts are brought together and sewn into position, as shown in Fig.
137.
AURICULAR APPENDAGES
Small nipplelike projections of skin or elongated tumefactions of
connective tissue are sometimes found about the tragus, the lobule, or
on the neck. They are easily removed by encompassing their bases with an
elliptical incision and amputating them a little below the level of the
skin and suturing the wound in linear form.
POLYOTIA
Auricular appendages may contain small pieces of cartilage or resemble
crudely the auricle in miniature. This condition is termed polyotia. One
or more of these supernumerary ears may be found anterior or posterior to
the true ear or even below it on the skin of the neck.
In the case reported by Wilde there were four ears, the two abnormal ones
being situated on the neck at either side. Langer has reported a similar
case. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral.
This congenital malformation is corrected by simple amputation, as
described under minor auricular appendages.
MALPOSITION OF THE AURICLE
The most common deformity met with in ears is undue prominence. The
ears stand out from the head at an obtuse angle, often lopping forward
and downward, giving the patient a stupid appearance. This condition is
usually inherited, but may be acquired during childhood by the careless
wearing of caps that crowd the pinnæ forward and away from the head. The
habit of ear-pulling is also said to be a cause, also the faulty position
of the head during sleep. The deformity is usually bilateral, but in the
majority of cases one ear usually projects more than the other.
Where the deformity is recognized during infancy the ears should
be simply bandaged to the head with a suitable bandage or ear cap,
procurable for that purpose with the hope that the cartilages may thus be
influenced during their period of hardening and growth.
Invariably these patients are seen too late, and operative procedures
alone will restore the ears to their normal position.
The earlier in life such an operation is performed the more satisfactory
is the result, inasmuch as the cartilage of the ear is more pliable, and
hence more susceptible of readjustment; moreover, the operation when done
early in life necessitates only the removal of an elliptical piece of
skin from the back of the ear, according to Monks, and suturing of the
wound, as shown in Fig. 138.
[Illustration: FIG. 138.—MONKS’ METHOD.]
The elliptical form of the incision must, however, be changed according
to the varied prominence of various parts of the ear. When the ear lops
forward, it should be broader above and narrower below, and _vice versa_
in the event when the concha is overprominent.
When the patient is less than fourteen or fifteen years of age a general
anesthetic should be employed, but in older patients the operation can be
easily undertaken under local use of two-per-cent eucain solution.
=Author’s Method.=—The method followed by the author is to thoroughly
anesthetize the back of the ear, the patient lying in a recumbent
position with the head to one side, sufficient to place the ear to be
operated upon in as convenient position for operation as is possible. A
rubber cap is drawn over the head to cover the hair.
An incision is now made along the whole of the back of the ear as far
down as the sulcus, where the retro-aural integument joins that of the
neck.
The incision should involve the skin only, and vary from three fourths to
one half an inch from the outer border.
At once the blood will ooze from the line of incision. The operator now
presses the ear backward on the bare skin of the head, leaving an imprint
of the bleeding line on the skin there.
A second incision is made along this line, giving the total outlining
incision a heart-shaped form, as shown in Fig. 139.
The skin within this area is now dissected up quickly. There will be
more or less bleeding from the post-auricular vessels, which can easily
be controlled by sponge pressure, or with one or two artery forceps
of the mosquito-bill pattern. The wound should be large enough to
overcorrect the fault, as the ear springs out more or less when healed.
Sutures are now introduced. When necessary one or two catgut sutures are
taken through the concha, not going through the anterior skin, however,
and the deeper tissue back of the ear and tied. These hold the cartilage
in place.
[Illustration: FIG. 139.—AUTHOR’S METHOD.
FIG. 140.—CARTILAGE TO BE REMOVED. (Author’s method.)]
For the coaptation of the skin the continuous suture is to be preferred,
but when the cartilage suture is employed it will be found impracticable,
owing to the close position of the ear to the head. In that event
interrupted sutures must be placed, as shown in the Monks operation, and
tied after the cartilage has been fixed as described.
Where it is deemed necessary to fix the cartilage in this way, the author
advises to remove an elongated elliptical piece of the concha, as shown
in Fig. 140.
This is neatly done by outlining the section with the scalpel, and
excising it with the aid of a fine pair of scissors, half rounded; the
operator holding the index finger of the left hand in the depression of
the concha anteriorly as a guide to avoid injuring the skin.
After the elliptical exsection a linear incision with the scissors may be
made both superiorly and inferiorly to further mobilize the springy shell
of the ear, which will then be found to fall easily into place.
The bleeding in the latter method is more severe, since the posterior
auricular arteries and the auricular branch of the occipital have to be
severed, yet ligation is rarely necessary.
The interrupted suture may now be applied, varying the site of puncture
as below or above its fellow puncture, as made necessary by the droop of
the ear, with the object of shifting it into a normal position; or in
other words, by raising or lowering it upon tightening the sutures.
The continuous suture is to be preferred, however, when the cartilage has
been removed as described, since the ear has now become quite mobile and
is easily placed in position.
When the removal of these sutures, which should be of Nos. 5 or 6 twisted
silk, is considered, one can comprehend the advisability of this form of
wound closure.
The ear will now appear to lie quite close to the head, compared with the
original position, as shown in Figs. 141 and 142.
The patient is now turned so as to present the other ear, a pad of gauze
and absorbent cotton being placed under the ear operated on for comfort’s
sake.
The second ear is operated as was the first, the operator having taken
note of the form and size of the incision of the ear just finished.
Both ears sutured, the wounds are cleansed thoroughly, though gently,
with fifty-per-cent peroxid of hydrogen and dried and dusted over with
aristol powder.
[Illustration: FIG. 141. FIG. 142.
CORRECTION OF MALPOSED AURICLES. (Author’s case.)]
A pad of gauze is placed over each ear and a bandage applied around the
head to protect the wounds and retain the ears, care being taken not to
tighten too tightly, as this occasions great pain and possible pressure
erosion of the skin.
The dressing should be changed on the second day, as there is usually
some soiling of the dressings at the lower angles of the wounds. They are
again powdered, using the pulverflator preferably, and rebandaged.
The ears will be found to lie very close to the head at this time, if
the operation has been properly done. Anteriorly in the skin of the
concha and corresponding to the line of cartilage exsection will be found
a crease more or less discolored, according to the severity of injury
occasioned by the operation.
This should give the surgeon no concern, as the fold will accommodate
itself in a few days. There may be a persistence of the fold for some
time, however, which, if desirable, can be corrected by a small secondary
operation at a later date. The author has never experienced the need of
such, however.
The patient at this time usually bemoans the position of his ears, and
should be assured beforehand what was expected, and that the condition is
only temporary.
The dressings after this can be repeated every second or third day, as
may be required, although these wounds heal surprisingly well.
Moist dressings are to be avoided at all times, they soften the edges of
the wound and prevent primary union.
[Illustration: FIG. 143. FIG. 144.
POSTERIOR VIEW OF REPLACED AURICLES.]
The sutures are removed on the ninth or tenth day, whereafter the patient
may be allowed to go without the head bandage, but is strictly instructed
to replace it at night with a band of muslin three inches wide, snugly
pinned around the head to prevent the ears from being injured or torn
away from their new attachment by sudden movements during sleep. This
bandage should be worn at night for at least a month.
When only a part of the ear is overprominent the operation undertaken
should in the main be according to the methods just described, the
incisions being changed in extent accordingly.
In the illustrations above, Figs. 143 and 144, are shown the posterior
view of the ears before and after operation. At no time should the ears
be placed too closely to the head, as is often peculiarly requested by
the patient, as it gives an unnatural appearance and predisposes toward
the collection of filth in the sulcuses that is hard to remove. The
distance from the head to the outer rim of the ear should be about half
an inch at its widest part.