Abstract

Objectives: To describe the earlobe-Based Advancing Flap (ELBAF) for helical ear rim defects Introduction: Several helical reconstruction techniques are currently available for rim defects including Antia and Buch. Some of these techniques lead to unsatisfactory esthetic results or can appear to be time-consuming. The Anatomical Basis of the Earlobe-Based Advancing Flap (ELBAF) seems to be a quick technique leading to good aesthetic results Materials / method: We report a series of 15 consecutive cases with helical rim defects reconstructed using the ELBAF technique in Saint Vincent de Paul’s hospital from 2014 to 2022 Results: Two women and thirteen men were included, aged from 50 to 98 (mean age 80 year-old). Tumors were represented by Squamous cell Carcinoma (SCC) 46.7% and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) 46.7% and one case of melanoma. Tumors ‘ localisation were mostly middle third (6/15), then lower third (6/15) of the ear rim. One case of partial necrosis was observed in a patient with SCC, in the upper third location of the ear rim, possibly due to a chondritis. Patients were followed for up to 2 months with a good aesthetic outcome (93.3%) and excellent tumor outcome (100%). Conclusion: ELBAF is a simple and quick procedure with few complications in our case series and goodesthetic results