Reconstruction of the external auditory canal using the random flap technique and laser Doppler evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The external auditory canal is one of the most difficult sites to reconstruct after tumor resection. In general, fascia transplantation is used to reconstruct defects of the external auditory canal, but this method is associated with scar formation and prolonged wound healing. Scar tissue might cause stenosis in the external auditory canal and hypoacusis, and wound healing is further delayed by radiation and chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety of a random flap for reconstruction of an external auditory canal based on blood flow evaluation using a laser Doppler system.

METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study to compare blood flow in the face, back, and behind the ear using a laser Doppler system. Two cases of external auditory canal reconstruction are presented.

RESULTS: Blood flow behind the ear was abundant compared with that in the back. Blood flow in the face was higher than that behind the ear or on the back.

CONCLUSION: Blood flow in the random flap was easily evaluated using the laser Doppler method. Based on our findings, we propose the random flap to reconstruct the external auditory canal after tumor resection.