The occipital flap for reconstruction after lateral temporal bone resection

Objective: To investigate the use of the occipital rotational flap as an alternative reconstructive technique following lateral temporal bone resection. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of 10 patients who underwent reconstruction with an occipital rotational flap after auriculectomy or lateral temporal bone resection. Patient and operative variables included age, preoperative ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, operative time, total length of hospital stay, and use of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy. Patient demographic characteristics and medical comorbidities were also recorded. Clinical outcomes included medical complications, minor and major wound complications, and donor site complications. Results: Patients' mean age was 73.9 years, and mean ASA classification was 2.8. The mean operative time was 8.1 hours, and the mean length of hospital stay was 5.3 days. Three patients received preoperative radiotherapy, and 7 received postoperative radiotherapy. Two patients developed postoperative medical complications, 2 developed minor wound breakdown, and 1 developed a donor site complication. Conclusion: The occipital flap method is reliable and should be considered as an option for reconstruction after lateral temporal bone resection in select patients.