Arch Craniofac Surg.  2019 Oct;20(5):319-323. 10.7181/acfs.2019.00353.

Reconstruction of a scalp defect due to cochlear implant device extrusion using a temporoparietal fascia flap and a split-thickness skin graft from the scalp

• Kang JK
• Lee JS
• Suh M
• Lim GC
• Shin MS
• Yun BM

• KMID: 2462487
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2019.00353

Abstract

Cochlear implant extrusion, which is a common complication of cochlear implants, is generally repaired by a well visualized soft-tissue flap. A 61-year-old female patient with a medical history of schizophrenia who had a skin ulcer that caused cochlear implant extrusion, but that would be a stronger statement was referred to our department for removal of the implant and reconstruction of the resultant scalp defect. Accordingly, the broad defect was covered via rotation of a temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) using the superficial temporal artery, with the pedicle in the preauricular region as the pivot point. Coverage of TPFF was achieved with a split-thickness skin graft using the scalp as the donor site, which led to a quick recovery after the operation and satisfactory results in terms of aesthetics. This case suggests that a TPFF might be used as a flexible flap with low donor site morbidity for reconstructing cases of cochlear implant extrusion accompanied by a large full-layer scalp defect.

Keyword

Cochlear implants; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Surgical flaps

MeSH Terms

Cochlear Implants*
Esthetics
Fascia*
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Scalp*
Schizophrenia
Skin Ulcer
Skin*
Surgical Flaps
Temporal Arteries
Tissue Donors
Transplants*