Chest Capacity Change in Microtia Patients Receiving Total Auricular Reconstruction with Costal Cartilage Graft: Analysis of 3D Chest CT in 22 Cases

Background:Auricular reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage is currently the most popular method of reconstructing patients with microtia.Aim and Objectives:The purpose of this study is to assess the change in lung capacity before and after costal cartilage harvest in patients receiving total auricular reconstruction.Materials and Methods:Twenty-two patients receiving total auricular reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective study. The 6th-9th ribs were harvested from either the ispilateral or contralateral chest wall with preserving of the perichondrium and residual cartilage chips were put back as free graft after carving. 3D-CT was performed before and more than 6 months after the surgery. Computer software (Mimics) was used to calculate the volume of chest capacity. The preoperative and postoperative analytic index of donor side and contralateral side lung volume were compared.Results:No significant difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative chest capacity. The group younger than eighteen years old had nearly significant increased total volume of chest capacity half year later after surgery.Conclusion:Costal cartilage harvest for auricular reconstruction is safe and does not significantly change the chest capacity at 6 months follow up.