Results of Modified Stenströms Technique Otoplasty and Patients' Satisfaction at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH)

TL;DR

A modified otoplasty technique was tested on six patients, resulting in high satisfaction and no complications.

Contribution

This is the first study to evaluate the modified Stenström otoplasty technique's clinical effects and patient satisfaction.

Findings

All six patients reported high satisfaction one year after surgery.

No complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period.

The technique is described as safe, easy to apply, and with a short recovery period.

Abstract

Background

Globally, the prevalence of protruding ears is relatively frequent. Ear deformities manifest due to underdevelopment of the antihelical fold, conchal hypertrophy, and/or an obtuse conchoscaphal angle. The availability of multiple approaches proves that there isn't a single optimal accepted procedure. The Modified Stenström otoplasty technique supports the surgeon in the management of underdeveloped antihelix fold, conchal hypertrophy, and obtuse conchoscaphal angle among other deformities. We are the first to evaluate the clinical effects and measure the satisfaction rate post-otoplasty using the modified Stenström technique with a case series study.

Methods

Six patients were included in the study with a total of 12 ears operated on between February 2021 and July 2022. Utilizing the modified Stenström technique for bilateral protruding ears. All patients had six postoperative follow-up visits with fixed intervals; one week, three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year. During their one-year postoperative follow-up appointment, all patients completed the satisfaction survey questions.

Results

Six individuals were studied, three males and three females with a mean age of 23.1 (range, 7-53 years old). There were no complications or recurrences observed. Based on the responses we collected, all patients reported a high satisfaction rate at one-year postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

The modified Stenström technique yields good naturally appearing ears. It is an easy and safe technique to apply. It has a short recovery period, and no hospital stay is required. All contribute to a high satisfaction rate among studied patients.

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