External auditory canal reconstruction with inferior pedicled square screw flap from the preauricular area after resection of external auditory canal cancer

Background The postoperative reconstruction of ear canal cancer with a local flap such as the snail flap technique has been reported for cases with few tissue defects. The snail flap technique requires a large skin incision and is at risk of facial neuropathy. We have devised a new flap that addresses these problems. Methods An 80-year-old woman underwent total right ear canal resection for cancer of the right ear canal, and the defect of the ear canal was reconstructed using a local flap. The local flap was used by making a rectangular incision in front of the auricle and rolling it into a cylindrical shape. We named this flap a square screw flap. Results The patient was discharged 1 week after surgery without complications. Conclusions This method is considered to be useful for reconstruction of the ear canal with a small defect.