Total ear reconstruction
Medical Services Advisory Committee
Record ID 32000000898
English
Authors' objectives:
This report summarises the available evidence on total ear reconstruction surgery.
Authors' recommendations:
The total ear reconstruction procedure can build an ear that is nearly normal in terms of its cosmetic appearance. Although the complication rate is slightly higher than for the alternative treatment, the Branemark implant technique, patients and parents of patients may accept this higher rate of complication in order to achieve a more normal-looking ear, which subsequently requires less maintenance than is the case with a prosthetic implant ear. In cases of congenital abnormality, the timing of the surgery is controversial and requires a balancing of the psychological impact of an obvious deformity against the reduced complication associated with delaying surgery. The operation can be performed in both adults and children.
MSAC noted that there is only level IV evidence (case-series studies) on total ear reconstruction and, as clinical trials are unlikely ever to be conducted, higher level evidence is unlikely to become available in the future. However, it acknowledged that given the small size of the patient population and their special needs, special considerations of access and equity should be taken into account in the assessment of this application. It also noted that the procedure should only be undertaken by suitably trained and experienced surgeons.
MSAC recommended that, on the basis of the available evidence on total ear reconstruction and considerations of access and equity, public funding should be supported for this procedure.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.health.gov.au/haf/msac
Year Published:
2000
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Australia
MeSH Terms
- Plastic Surgery Procedures
- Ear Diseases
Contact
Organisation Name:
Medical Services Advisory Committee
Contact Address:
MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.
Contact Name:
msac.secretariat@health.gov.au
Contact Email:
msac.secretariat@health.gov.au
Copyright:
Medical Services Advisory Committee
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.