8.2\ Auriculectomy

8.2.1\ Discussion

Auriculectomy consists of resection of all or part of the pinna. This procedure is usually performed for resection of external ear cutaneous malignancies, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Parotidectomy and neck dissection may be performed in conjunction with auriculectomy if there is extension of tumor along the fascial planes or if regional lymph node metastasis is suspected. In addition, lateral temporal bone resection is often per-

Fig. 8.2  Auriculectomy. Axial CT image (a) shows a right auricular squamous cell carcinoma (arrow). Postoperative axial CT image (b) shows complete absence of the right auricle

formed if there is extension of tumor from the outer pinna into the external auditory canal. Depending upon the extent of resection, the resulting surgical defect can be closed primarily (Fig. 8.2) or via a variety of reconstruction techniques using skin grafts or soft tissue flaps (Fig. 8.3), for example. Furthermore, auricular prostheses can also be applied for cosmetic purposes, and these may be held in place with osseointegrated magnetic implants (Vistafix, Cochlear Corporation, Australia). Ultimately, postoperative imaging, particularly CT or MRI, is typically obtained to evaluate for tumor recurrence in this group of patients.

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D.T. Ginat et al.