How We Do It: Buried Cartilage Grafts to Prevent Contraction and Preserve Normal Anatomical Shape in Reconstruction of Surgical Defects of the Anterior Pinna

Abstract

We used to substitute this nasal orthosis with the plastic cap of a large needle that was cut and then wrapped with a petrolatum-coated gauze and an antibiotic ointment (Figure 1). However, we would like to present another method that we believe is simpler, less painful, and as effective: using a foam earplug.Step 1: the earplug is coated with an antibiotic ointment or petrolatum (Figure 2) and shaped using the thumb and the index to fit the patient's nostril.Step 2: the coated earplug is placed inside the patient's nostril (Figure 3) and will then automatically expand.Step 3: the earplug may be secured with a small piece of medical tape (Figure 4).We recommend using it for at least the first 3 days after surgery.Patients' comfort seems better than with other techniques. If the earplug falls, then the patient may easily replace it with a new one, bought in advance. The earplug may also be routinely replaced by a new one once a day. The size and material of these foam earplugs prevent them from being inhaled by the patient.