Comparison between Z-plasty and V-Y Advancement for the Surgical Correction of Cryptotia

Abstract

BackgroundCryptotia correction by V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap was introduced in 2005. However, despite the several advantages of V-Y advancement, visible scars at the donor site are problematic. As a result, a Z-plasty technique was considered for skin deficiency in mild cases. Therefore, we introduce a new surgical scheme for cryptotia correction based on considerations of techniques and complications that arose in our clinic.MethodsBetween 2000 and 2013, 26 patients (35 cases) of cryptotia were treated. Seventeen patients had unilateral cryptotia and nine had bilateral cryptotia. Two corrective methods were used, Z-plasty or V-Y advancement, based on the severity. In mild cases, Z-plasty was used for correction and in severe cases, V-Y flap advancement was used for more skin supplement.ResultsFollow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 1.5 years. The results obtained were relatively favorable. Nine cases of mild deformity were corrected by Z-plasty, and the other 26 cases with mild or severe deformities were corrected by V-Y advancement. In Z-plasty cases, there was one hypertrophic scar and in V-Y advancement cases, seven resulted in visible scarring and three in skin sloughing.ConclusionThe main advantage of Z-plasty is a lower likelihood of visible scarring at the donor site. In mild cases, Z-plasty may be a good alternative, but in severe cases, V-Y advancement is probably the best option for more skin supplement.

The Multiple V-Y Advancement Modification for the Surgical Correction of Cryptotia

“…Many operative methods to treat malformations have been reported, such as Skin graft [2], subcutaneous pedicled flap [3], Z plasty [4], local rotation flap [5], and V-Y plasty [6]. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages with respect to skin flap deficiencies.…”

“…According to Cho et al, the conchal cartilage was used in mild cases; Medpor sheet was used in severe cases to the posterior aspect of the corrected sharply curved antihelical crus for preventing relapse as a splinting. 4 …”

Reconstruction of congenital microtia after ear canaloplasty using V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap

“…Kubo [8] first reported a surgical method using a V-Y advancement flap for cryptotia correction. The V-Y advancement flap provided sufficient skin to the upper and posterior portions of the auricle, and was also easy to apply in almost all cases by regulating the height of the triangular flap [6]. In this study, we adopted a V-Y advancement technique for microtia reconstruction in cases with unfavorable regional conditions due to prior canaloplasty.…”

“…It has been used extensively for various types of reconstruction. For ear deformities, this method has played a key role in the correction of cryptotia [6][7][8]. However, it has not been used for the reconstruction of congenital microtia.…”

Skin Oncoplasties: Is Z-Plasty A Technique of Choice In Situation of Limited Resources? Case of Burkina Faso.

“…Secondary healing involves numerous wounds dressings over several months. The mobilisation of fascia-muscle aps requires technical skills and a trained team [7,[10][11][12][13]. Z-plasty, a technique which has being used for long in plastic surgery, is less complex to perform and is therefore an alternative for skin coverage after large tumour resections [11,13,14].…”