Friday, March 28, 2003 - 11:27 AM
2896

Use of 2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) in Place of Suture for the Creation of a Rib Cartilage Framework in Reconstruction of the Microtic Ear

Jaime Bastidas, MD, Laurence T. Glickman, MD, Barry K. Douglas, MD, and Roger L. Simpson, MD.

Surgeons have used tissue adhesives for many years. Cyanoacrylate derivatives have been used in a variety of settings including head and neck surgeries, facial plastic procedures, dental reconstructions, radiologic embolizations, and orthopaedic procedures. More specifically, it has been used in cartilage and bone grafting in rhinoplasty. 2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) is well known for its use in wound closure and now has FDA approval for this use. Also, it is the first cyanoacrylate to be classified as nontoxic by the International Standards Organization. Objective: To show the efficacy of 2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate in the creation of an ear cartilage framework in reconstuction of the microtic ear. Method: Two cases of ear reconstruction for unilateral microtia were performed. The ear framework was constructed from harvested rib graft. However, no sutures were employed during the fabrication of this construct. The cartilage pieces were glued using small amounts of 2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate to form and stabilize the final structure. Results: A durable framework was created which was suitable for subcutaneous implantation. Conclusion: 2-Octyl-Cyanoacrylate can be used in place of suture for the creation of a cartilage framework in ear reconstuction. An added benefit is its ease of use, accuracy of application, and speed when compared to traditional suture methods.