Murao N, Oyama A, Yamamoto Y, Funayama E, Ishikawa K, Maeda T, et al.
Undersea & hyperbaric medicine : journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc. Date of publication 2023 Oct 1;volume 50(4):413-419.
1. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2023 Fourth Quarter;50(4):413-419.
Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen after microtia reconstruction using costal
cartilage: A retrospective case-control study.
Murao N(1)(2), Oyama A(3), Yamamoto Y(2), Funayama E(2), Ishikawa K(2), Maeda
T(2).
Author information:
(1)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tonan Hospital, Sapporo,
Hokkaido, Japan.
(2)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and
Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
(3)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine,
Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan.
INTRODUCTION: Microtia reconstruction with autologous costal cartilage framework
grafting is challenging because the three-dimensional structure of the ear is
highly complex, and meeting the high aesthetic demands of patients can be
difficult. If the skin flap overlying the framework is thinned to achieve a
smooth and accentuated outline, a poor blood supply in the thin skin flap may
lead to skin necrosis, exposure of the framework, and poor surgical results.
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy can promote the healing of complex wounds and
flaps. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of HBO2 therapy for the
prevention of postoperative complications after framework grafting in microtia
reconstruction.
METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated postoperative complications and compared
outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent costal cartilage grafting for
microtia reconstruction at our institution between 2011 and 2015, according to
whether or not they received postoperative HBO2 therapy. HBO2 therapy was
applied once daily for a total of 10 sessions starting on the first
postoperative day.
RESULTS: During the study period, eight patients received HBO2 therapy after
costal cartilage grafting, and 12 did not. There was no significant difference
in the incidence of postoperative ulcers. However, the incidence of framework
exposure was lower, and the healing time was shorter in patients who received
HBO2 therapy than in those who did not.
DISCUSSION: HBO2 therapy can be used safely in pediatric patients to reduce
postoperative complications and improve the aesthetic outcome of microtia
reconstruction. After costal cartilage grafting, HBO2 therapy should be
considered as adjuvant therapy.
Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.
PMID: 38055882 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: The authors of this paper declare no conflicts
of interest exist with this submission.
