16-year-old gets new ear in single surgery using his own rib cartilage
In a medical first for the region, doctors at Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre in Madurai have reconstructed the ear of a 16-year-old boy in a single-stage surgery using cartilage harvested from his own ribs.
The boy was born with microtia, a congenital condition where the external ear is underdeveloped. He had no hearing in his left ear since birth and relied entirely on his right ear. The surgery, performed primarily for cosmetic rehabilitation, has given him a natural-looking ear that closely resembles his right ear.
Traditionally, such 3D ear reconstruction is done in multiple stages. The team completed the complex procedure in a single surgery, minimising pain and enabling faster recovery. The reconstructed ear was crafted using cartilage from the boy's own ribs, positioned precisely to mirror the opposite ear. Because the surgeons used the patient’s own skin, there is no noticeable difference in colour or texture.
The use of rib cartilage, known for its flexibility and durability, allows the reconstructed ear to bend like a normal ear. Since the reconstruction used the patient’s own tissues while preserving underlying blood supply and nerve connections, the ear has normal sensation and closely resembles a natural ear.
The surgery was led by Senior Consultant and Head of Department of ENT, Dr. R. Nageswaran. Medical Administrator Dr. B. Kannan, Associate Consultant Dr. Rakesh R. Bright, and Consultant Dr. Hariharan were also part of the team.
The boy, born of a consanguineous marriage, had no hearing in his left ear since birth. The surgery has not only improved his appearance but also boosted his confidence. Doctors said the recovery has been smooth, and the boy is expected to lead a normal life.
