Strategy of Severe Pneumonia and Management of Related Complications After Autogenous Cartilage Microtia Reconstruction

Since the pioneering use of autologous costal cartilage for microtia reconstruction, significant progress has been made in treating microtia, effectively improving patients' quality of life and reducing their psychological burden. Cartilage auricle reconstruction is the primary treatment, but many postoperative complications can occur. Common postoperative complications include infection and hematoma at the recipient site, pleural tears at the donor site, and thoracic scoliosis. Among these, severe postoperative pneumonia is a rare but potentially fatal complication. This study presents a case of severe pneumonia after auricular reconstruction with autologous cartilage. It details the complications associated with autologous cartilage microtia reconstruction, especially pulmonary complications, and suggests a possible relationship between pulmonary complications and auricular reconstruction using cartilage.