Dr. Griffiths has developed a ONE-STAGE microtia reconstruction (with canalplasty) where he creates and places the framework, rotates the ear lobule, and creates the tragus and the external portions of the external auditory canal. On select patients, our otologist can reconstruct the ear canal at the same time. This one-stage microtia technique produces wonderful results, significantly lowers overall medical costs, and is preferred by patients and families, particularly those who have to travel great distances for their operation.

How is Dr. Griffiths able to create an ear in one stage?

The one-stage procedure performed by Dr. Griffiths involves the use of a thin vascularized membrane underneath the scalp on the lateral forehead and temporal regions to cover the carved cartilage framework. This thin membrane is called the temporoparietal fascia (TP fascia flap).

Once this vascularized membrane is harvested, it can be wrapped around the ear framework to provide a complete vascular covering. Dr. Griffiths utilizes a limited incision access to harvest this flap so that the scars are carefully concealed around the ear. The fascia flap is then covered with a skin graft. Skin grafts are carefully chosen to provide the best texture and color match to the skin of the contralateral ear.

A key advantage of Dr. Griffiths' one-stage technique is that the reconstructed ear has feeling due to the sensory nerves that come from the fascia under the skin grafts. This sensory input helps the patient avoid injuring their ear in the future.

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The ear framework needs to be covered with vascularized tissue. In addition to the novel one-stage procedure developed by Dr. Griffiths, this can also be accomplished with a three-stage procedure, which was championed by Dr. Brent, or a two-stage procedure, which was championed by Dr. Nagata. 

Two-Stage Procedure (no canalplasty)

Stage 1: The ear framework is inserted and the ear lobe lobule is rotated during the first operation.

Stage 2: During the second operation, the framework is elevated and skin grafts are used to cover the back of the ear.  If the patient is a candidate for a canalplasty, a third stage can be completed after the external ear has been made.

Three-Stage Operation (no canalplasty):

Stage 1: The ear framework is carved and inserted underneath a pocket of skin at the desired site under the microtia remnant. It needs to heal in this position for approximately six months so that it can obtain its own blood supply.

Stage 2: The second stage involves rotation of the ear lobule and creation of a tragus and conchal bowl.

Stage 3: The third stage involves lifting the ear away from the scalp and placing a skin graft to cover the back of the ear. It is during this third phase that an extra cartilage graft is often added behind the ear framework to enhance its projection.

If the patient is a candidate for a canalplasty, a fourth stage can be completed after the external ear has been made.  

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Disadvantages of Multi-Stage Techniques

The three-stage and two-stage techniques (no canalplasty) are wonderful options for reconstruction of microtia. Dr. Griffiths used these techniques over the first half of his career, carefully honing his technique in order to perform the best reconstruction possible. He honors and respects the wonderful contributions made by Dr. Brent and Dr. Nagata.

However, these two techniques have three main disadvantages:

• Lack of Ear Projection
• Higher Overall Cost
• Time

The multistage rib graft technique often cannot produce adequate long-term ear projection, even if a wedge of cartilage is added below the framework during one of the later stages. Multistage rib graft surgeons rarely show long-term follow-up postoperative frontal view photos because the lack of projection of the reconstructed ear is readily apparent when compared to the normal side.  

As medical costs - particularly hospital fees - have risen in the past decade, multiple operations create an extra financial burden on the patient and families. If the patient lives out of state, not only are travel costs higher, but multiple surgeries require greater time away from home, which can impact school and parent work schedules.

Talk to Dr. Griffiths about Rib Cartilage Ear Surgery

There are many considerations to be made in the course of treating microtia and other ear damage. To schedule an appointment and learn if this option is right for you or your child, please call us at (208) 433-1736 or contact us online.