Authors: Marcelo S. Assis.
Background: Edward Talbot Ely (1850-1885) lived a tragically short life of 35 years, but at the age of 31 years, in 1881, he recorded the landmark case of the first otoplasty in the medical literature [10]. Prominent ears “Dumbo Ears” are probably the ear deformity that most people are aware of. Is a very common problem, and according to literature occurs in 5 % of the Caucasian population [1], causing bullying and reducing self-esteem, also leading
to serious consequences for individuals social integration [2]. This paper describes a unique approach based on other available techniques developed to increase productivity and enhance performance.
Methods: In 2014, a non-government organization was created specializing in Otoplasty for patients as young as 7 years old who have an aesthetical complaint or is a victim of bullying. Our technique corrects the 3 parts of the ear. The surgeries are performed in an outpatient setting with a minimal charge for material and medication. The procedure is done with local anesthesia and light sedation allowing maximum comfort for the patient and the
surgeon. There is no hospitalization.
Results: From 2014 to 2017, we have performed 4.000 surgeries following the High-Performance Protocol. Patients only payed U$600,00 for total cost. The High-Performance Protocol can be reproduced any time despite location, surgeon or anesthetist. The average cost for material and medication for these surgeries is US$ 76,90. The average surgical time is 45 minutes. Of these 4.000 surgeries, we had a recurrence rate of 3%, and even a lower rate of complications such as hematomas, infections, skin/cartilage necrosis, allergic reaction, hypertrophic/ keloid scar, cartilage irregularity and late sensitivity changes.
Conclusion: The High-Performance Protocol emerges as an option to increase accessibility for Otoplasty by lowering the average cost, surgical time and recurrence. This protocol will allow surgeons to increase the number of low income patients who need this surgery and help prevent bullying in this population.
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