Comparison of Auricle Reconstruction Using Tissue Expanders With Skin Grafting and Auricle Reconstruction Using Tissue Expanders Without Skin Grafting: A Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The authors conducted this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting and auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting by comparing the 6 major evaluation indicators.

Methods: The databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP information databases were searched.

Results: By comparison, the authors found that, the satisfaction rate, the incidence of postoperative hematoma, the incidence of postoperative incision infection, and the incidence of cartilage framework exposure of patients with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting were all lower than those with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting. However, the incidence of postoperative skin necrosis, the incidence of leakage or exposure of expanders in patients with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting were all higher than those with auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting.

Conclusions: Auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders with skin grafting has advantages in reducing the incidence of postoperative hematoma, the incidence of postoperative incision infection, and the incidence of cartilage framework exposure. Auricle reconstruction using tissue expanders without skin grafting has advantages in improving the satisfaction rate, reducing the incidence of postoperative skin necrosis, and the incidence of leakage or exposure of expanders. From the comparison of specific data, there is no significant difference in the treatment effect between the 2 surgical methods.