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Tissue engineering (TE) techniques offer solutions for tissue regeneration but require large quantities of cells. For microtia patients, TE methods represent a unique opportunity for therapies with low donor-site morbidity and reliance on the surgeon's individual expertise. Microtia-derived chondrocytes and perichondrocytes are considered a valuable cell source for autologous reconstruction of the pinna. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of perichondrocytes from microtia patients for autologous reconstruction in comparison to healthy perichondrocytes and microtia chondrocytes. Perichondrocytes were isolated via two different methods: explant culture and enzymatic digestion. The isolated cells were analyzed in vitro for their chondrogenic cell properties. We examined migration activity, colony-forming ability, expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, and gene expression profile. We found that microtic perichondrocytes exhibit similar chondrogenic properties compared to chondrocytes in vitro. We investigated the behavior in three-dimensional cell cultures (spheroids and scaffold-based 3D cell cultures) and assessed the expression of cartilage-specific proteins via immunohistochemistry, e.g., collagen II, which was detected in all samples. Our results show that perichondrocytes from microtia patients are comparable to healthy perichondrocytes and chondrocytes in terms of chondrogenic cell properties and could therefore be a promising cell source for auricular reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the variety of abnormalities, surgery of the auricle is one of the most complex challenges in facial plastic surgery. They reach from mild protruding ears or isolated abnormalities of the supporting structures, mainly the helical rim and antihelix, over cup ear deformities and miniears all the way to severe microtia and anotia. In this article, the authors present a short overview of auricular abnormalities and malformations and their treatment options based on their experiences gained over three decades of special service for patients with auricular malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of the present study was to investigate the application of the water-jet dissection method in parotid surgery by way of animal experiments, paying particular attention to the clinical and histological reactions of the facial nerve. Study Design An animal experimental study. Methods Total bilateral parotidectomies with retention of the facial nerve were performed on 19 beagle dogs by means of the Hydro-Jet device (Andreas Pein Medizintechnik Company, Schwerin, Germany) using different jet diameters and operating pressures. All operations were performed with continuous intraoperative facial monitoring (Neurosign 100, Inomed Company, Teningen, Germany). The dogs were monitored postoperatively over an average period of 20.3 days (range, 14-35 d). Local findings and facial nerve status were documented daily. In a second phase, the dissected nerves were resected and the animals were killed. Samples of water-jet-dissected parotid tissue, as well as all dissected nerve branches, underwent histological examination and were compared with clinical and electrophysiological findings. Results It was possible to perform operations easily on all parotid glands by means of the Hydro-Jet using the small, 120-μm jet at operating pressures of 40 to 60 bar and to dissect the facial nerve quickly and safely with retention of its functional capability (n = 34). The dissection of nerves using larger-diameter jets (150 and 200 μm [n = 64]) resulted in a total of two reversible and seven irreversible partial pareses. Conclusions The study has shown that it is possible to perform tissue-selective operations on the parotid gland by means of the Hydro-Jet using the 120-μm jet at operating pressures of 40 to 60 bar, ensuring safe, atraumatic dissection of the facial nerve with retention of its functional capability. The advantages of the new Hydro-Jet method offer a valuable alternative compared with the normal dissection methods adopted in parotid surgery. Thus the results of the present investigation currently are being checked within the framework of a clinical study at our clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe auricular trauma is a rare injury. In addition to the type of injury, the location and the extent of the involved auricular structures have an important influence on the selection of an appropriate replantation or reattachment technique. A satisfactory primary reconstruction is not always possible to obtain and the remaining defects must be reconstructed secondary. The localization of the defect, its extent, and the condition of the tissue surrounding the defect are essential criteria for further treatment planning. This article provides an overview of the treatment of acute auricular trauma and of important aspects of secondary defect repair of the pinna., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the auricle is one of the most challenging and diverse tasks in plastic head and neck surgery. Injuries, defects and malformations require multiple different techniques, some of which are standardized, other situations require huge experience and artistic creativity. It is a specialty that will never become monotone.