Autologous Ear Reconstruction for Microtia Does Not Result in Loss of Cutaneous Sensitivity

Background: Cutaneous sensitivity of microtia reconstruction has been sparsely documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is a loss of cutaneous sensitivity following two-stage autologous ear reconstruction for unilateral microtia. Methods: A prospective study was performed including unilateral microtia patients who underwent two-stage autologous ear reconstruction performed by a single plastic surgeon between 2011 and 2016. Standardized sensory testing (i.e., temperature discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) was executed at 11 predefined anatomical points of the affected and unaffected ears preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Thirty-eight patients were included. Affected and unaffected sides presented similar (all p > 0.05) preoperative cutaneous sensitivity. Most (72.7 percent) of the tested points showed (all p < 0.05) preservation or recovery of cutaneous sensitivity at 12 months postoperatively. When comparing the reconstructed ears with the unaffected ears, there was no significant difference (all p > 0.05) in most (72.7 percent) of the tested points, except (all p < 0.05) at those points involving the postauricular sulcus. Conclusion: There is a temporary cutaneous sensitivity loss after a two-stage autologous microtia reconstruction, which returned to similar preoperative sensitivity at 12-month follow-up, except in the postauricular sulcus. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.