Reconstruction of auricles: assessment of microcirculation in retroauricular rotational flap using laser Doppler flowmetry

OBJECTIVE

To optimize retroauricular fold formation in surgical rehabilitation of patients with grade III microtia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined patients with grade III microtia using the Lazma MC-1 analyzer. Data from people with healthy auricle comprised the control group. Microcirculation parameters were measured at three points of retroauricular flap and contralateral (healthy) auricle: mean microcirculation volume (M), red blood cell flow variability (σ), and coefficient of variation (Kv). Significance of data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. We compared both groups using the Wilcoxon test due to non-parametric distribution of 12 variables (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Before reconstruction, patients with microtia had lower mean microcirculation volume (M) (point 3: 4.93±4.92 vs. 8.39±5.81 perfusion units (PU), p=0.237) with significant improvement in 6 months after reconstruction (point 3: 11.70±5.62 PU, p=0.047 compared to healthy controls). Kv decreased after reconstruction (point 3: from 72.69±44.38% to 28.16±3.27%, p=0.068) that indicated better blood flow stability.

CONCLUSION

Laser Doppler flowmetry effectively monitors microcirculatory changes in retroauricular flaps and demonstrates significantly better microcirculation and successful vascular remodeling after reconstruction. Preoperative assessment can guide surgical planning, and postoperative monitoring can prevent complications after auricular reconstruction.