Complications of Cartilage Sparing Otoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of complications in patients who have undergone cartilage sparing otoplasty.

Methods: On December 26, 2021, the authors searched 8 databases using the search term "(otoplasty) AND (cartilage sparing OR cartilage sparing)" for collecting the most appropriate studies. The authors used R software version 4.1.2 for conducting the meta-analysis.

Results: Of the 414 records screened, the authors included 14 studies. Recurrence/reoperation was the most common reported complication with a prevalence of 4.27% (95% CI: 2.93-6.22), followed by suture erosion 2.46% (95% CI: 0.86-7.07) and hematoma/hemorrhage 1.34% (95% CI: 0.79-2.27). The authors did not find any significant difference between cartilage sparing and cartilage scoring in terms of recurrence/reoperation [odds ratio (OR): 0.92; 95% CI: 0.53-1.60; P = 0.766], hematoma/hemorrhage (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.28-7.01; P = 0.688), and wound infection (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.06-2.24; P = 0.279).

Conclusion: Various complications have been reported, including recurrence and reoperation, hematoma, wound infections, suture erosions, keloid formation, and skin necrosis. However, the prevalence of these events is not high, although significant heterogeneity was reported for some outcomes. Therefore, it can be concluded that cartilage sparing otoplasty is a safe and reproducible technique.