Microtia and Ear Reconstruction Surgery – Things to Know
Here is some key information about the congenital ear deformity called microtia and the surgery to resolve the condition
Microtia is a congenital abnormality of the external ear which can be corrected with ear reconstruction surgery. Children born with this condition have a small external ear and in some, the entire ear could be missing. Microtia surgery involves several stages from harvesting cartilage from the rib cage to reconstructing the contour of the ear and repositioning the ear lobe. Here are some facts about this condition and its treatment.
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Microtia is a Greek word that means "little ear" or "small ear"
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The condition is also known as "ear atresia" or "aural atresia"
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The exact causes of the condition are unknown
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In most cases, hearing is poor in the affected ear
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This ear malformation occurs in 1 in 7,000 to 8,000 infants
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It is more often seen in boys
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It usually affects the right ear
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Corrective surgery normally begins when the child is five or six years old
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A series of operations are performed to provide the ears a normal appearance
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General anesthesia is administered as the procedure can take several hours
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Antibiotics are administered at all stages of the treatment
Microtia repair is performed by facial plastic surgeons who specialize in reconstructive surgery. Children usually become aware of how they different from their peers when they are two to three years old. So parents need to be supportive and help their child understand the condition. They should treat the child as normal and help them maintain selfesteem and selfconfidence. Post
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operative care is easier when the child is old enough to understand and cooperate in the surgical intervention.
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