Ann Clin Otolaryngol | Volume 9, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access
Caetano G*, Morgado D, Pinto C, Santos M, Veloso I, Robles R, Fonseca R and Matos R
Unidade local de saúde do alto ave - Rua dos Cutileiros 114, Creixomil, 4835-044 Guimarães, Portugal
*Correspondance to: Gonçalo Caetano
Fulltext PDFIntroduction: The pillars concept is a surgical technique designed to correct hypertrophic concha in otoplasty and is theoretically associated with lower recurrence rates. This study aims to compare its efficacy, adverse effects, and patient satisfaction with the standard technique used in our institution. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients who underwent otoplasty between 2013 and 2023, with hypertrophic concha and at least 52 weeks of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: Standard Technique (ST conchal setback with Mustardé sutures) and Pillars Technique (PT pillars concept added to ST). Primary outcomes were recurrence and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included ear canal stenosis, skin necrosis, bleeding, hematoma, wound dehiscence, and suture extrusion. Results: A total of 27 surgeries were analyzed (ST: 20; PT: 7). Recurrence was observed in 15% of cases in the ST group (n=3), while no recurrence was found in patients who underwent the pillars technique (p=.08). Suture extrusion occurred in 5% of the standard technique cases (n=1), and skin necrosis was observed in 14.3% of the PT group (n=1) (p=.324/p=.22). The average GAIS score was 1.8 ± 0.4 for the pillars technique and 2.6 ± 0.5 for the standard technique (p=.12). Conclusions: The pillars concept may offer some advantages in otoplasty, including a lower recurrence rate and greater patient satisfaction. These results suggest that the proposed structural repositioning may be a more effective and long-lasting approach to correcting auricular prominence. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to definitively establish the superiority of this technique compared to traditional approaches.
Otoplasty; Pillars; Relapse; Prominauris
Caetano G, Morgado D, Pinto C, Santos M, Veloso I, Robles R, et al. The Pillars Concept: Does It Prevent Recurrence Following Otoplasty?. Ann Clin Otolaryngol. 2026; 9(1): 1059.