External ear reconstruction. Use of a pivoting helix, porous polyethylene implant.

We have used the porous polyethylene, pivoting helix framework for ear reconstruction at RLAMC since 1989 with no major complications. Postoperatively, patients have an external ear that resembles a normal ear and is sturdy enough to support eye wear. The aesthetic results have been well received by the patients and their families (Fig 8). Most children are reluctant to undergo surgery; however, those patients with ear deformities often are eager for external ear reconstruction surgery, and the majority of our pediatric patients have been pleased with the postoperative results (Fig 9). The success of this procedure depends on a number of factors, including proper patient selection, suitable selection of materials for the reconstruction, the technical skills of the surgeon, and the surgical team's attention to detail in the intraoperative period. The perioperative nurse, functioning as the patient advocate, plays an integral role in the success or failure of this procedure.