EXCISION OF EXPOSED CARTILAGE FOR MANAGEMENT OF MOHS SURGERY DEFECTS OF THE EAR

Cartilage of the ear is often exposed during Mohs surgical procedures. Fenestration of the cartilage with a skin punch has been recommended to stimulate granulation tissue where the perichondrium has been destroyed. This article describes an alternative method -the excision of a window through the exposed cartilage, fully exposing the perichondrium on the other side of the cartilage. This promotes the rapid healing by second intention or provides a vascular bed for immediate skin grafting. Also, aggressive excision of nonviable cartilage helps prevent chondritis or perichondritis.