Endoscopic-assisted harvest of the temporoparietal fascial flap.

Abstract

Elevation of the temporoparietal fascial flap by conventional T or Y incisions in the temporal region frequently leaves conspicuous scarring, hair thinning, or baldness. To avoid such undesirable effects, endoscopic-assisted harvest of the temporoparietal fascial flap was performed in 9 patients with microtia. Through two horizontal incisions in the temporal region, the temporoparietal fascia was dissected, and the flap was harvested using bipolar scissors and coagulating shears. Flaps were dissected and harvested successfully without any complications in 7 patients, although extra incisions were required to facilitate coagulation in 2 patients. The authors introduce this harvesting technique and describe some representative cases. Using endoscopic guidance, this is a versatile, safe procedure with minimal morbidity, and is applicable to other reconstructive procedures that require a temporoparietal fascial flap, including the free flap.