Publication:

Incomplete ear lobe cleft repair with 100% trichloroacetic acid

Background The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the incomplete ear lobe cleft repair.

Methods A total of 30 females with bilateral incomplete ear lobe cleft were included in the study group. Under local anaesthesia, 100% TCA was applied to the abraded surface with the help of toothpick till frosting was achieved and the wound was closed with a micropore tape. Patients were reviewed weekly and 100% TCA was applied until frosting was achieved, without abrasion on the edges of cleft once a week till complete closure of the ear lobe cleft.

Results Out of 30 patients 28 (93.33 %) had complete closure of cleft. Two patients (6.66%) had incomplete closure even after four application of TCA. Temporary post inflammatory pigmentation was seen in 22 (73.33%) patients which subsided one week after the last TCA application. Minimum number of sittings required was one and maximum required for complete closure was 3 sessions.

Conclusions Multiple applications, temporary post inflammatory pigmentation, inward rolling of edges, mild scarring as a result of secondary healing of the wound and failure to repair the bigger clefts were the disadvantages of this technique.