Screenshot of Dawa after the surgery

A medical team from East China's Jiangsu Province performed auricular reconstruction surgery on a nine-year-old girl born without a right ear, using her own costal cartilage to craft a new ear with defined contours and a natural appearance, according to an article released on the WeChat account of the Jiangsu Province People's Hospital.

Dawa (pseudonym), the nine-year-old girl from the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Northwest China's Qinghai Province, has been living with congenital microtia since birth, which left her right ear underdeveloped, the article said.

In her daily life, Dawa often felt distressed by this condition that made her apart from other children. Whether in the classroom or while playing with friends, she habitually hid her ear under a hat or behind her clothes.

"She has been sensitive about it since she was very young. We knew she envied other children who had complete ears," Dawa's mother said. 

Due to limited local medical resources, undergoing delicate auricular reconstruction surgery was challenging for her, according to the article. It wasn't until this year that Dawa and her parents learned of the advanced expertise available at Jiangsu Province People's Hospital.

Doctors from the department of medical aesthetics at the hospital conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Dawa, held multiple discussions, and devised a personalized surgical plan for her auricular reconstruction before proceeding with the operation.

During the surgery, doctors harvested a small segment of Dawa's own costal cartilage. Using microsurgical techniques, they meticulously carved the cartilage into an auricular framework that was symmetrical to her left ear and natural and realistic in shape. Through precise subcutaneous dissection and flap design, the sculpted cartilage framework was implanted under the skin at the right ear site, completing the reconstruction of the auricular structure, according to the article.

The entire procedure was carried out smoothly and methodically. The "new ear" was not only three-dimensional and aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrated good blood supply, helping ensure its long-term viability, the article said.

Thanks to the meticulous care and treatment from the medical team, Dawa's postoperative recovery went very smoothly. With her new ear, her smile was radiant. "Mom, does my new ear look nice? Soon, I'll be able to tie my hair up and wear beautiful earrings," she said.


Global Times