Use of Total Auricular Fillet Flap to Reconstruct Defects After Auricular and Parotid Region Tumors

PurposeThe auricular fillet flap (AFF) is also used to reconstruct defects of the periauricular region and scalp.The aim of this study was to evaluate patients in whom the total AFF was used to reconstruct defects formed after the resection the skin of the auricular and parotid regions.MethodsSeven patients, who presented at the researchers' hospital between January 2017 and July 2020 with masses involving, to different degrees, the parotid region, the periauricular region, the external auditory canal, or the auricular anterior surface skin were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsThe study retrospectively analyzed seven patients aged 71 to 92 (mean: 80.3 years), including two females (28.5%) and five males (71.5%). The defective region, formed as a result of surgery, was reconstructed with the TAFF in all patients. One patient developed a blood circulation deficiency at first but recovered within a week, while there were no problems with blood circulation or compatibility of the flaps in the other six patients.ConclusionThe researchers recommend using the TAFF as an alternative flap for reconstructing defects of the skin of the auricular and parotid regions. This reconstruction method can be achieved in one session and offers acceptable aesthetic results.