Emergency surgery successfully completed: all anatomical planes reconstructed without sacrificing any tissue
A sea accident during a boat trip off Marina Piccola in Capri nearly cost a 16-year-old boy his ear. Federico (a fictional name) arrived at the Emergency Department of Ospedale del Mare with a severe wound caused by the boat's propeller. Thanks to a complex emergency surgical procedure performed the same day, the boy was able to fully recover his ear.
Federico was spending a day at sea with his family, on a boat trip off Marina Piccola, when an impact with the vessel's propeller caused a devastating injury to his head and left ear. Rushed to Ospedale del Mare, the boy arrived at the Emergency Department in a condition that required immediate intervention.
"The young patient — explains Alfredo Borriello, director of the Departmental Simple Operating Unit of Plastic Surgery — arrived at the Emergency Department following a sea injury caused by a boat propeller, presenting a complete detachment of the ear, held in place only by a tiny skin flap, with a clean cut through all cartilaginous structures."
The boy also had a deep scalp wound extending from the temporal region to the nuchal region. The severity of the clinical picture demanded timely surgical action: every passing hour reduced the chances of saving the ear and restoring its function and appearance.
Admitted to the Complex Operating Unit of Emergency Surgery, directed by Mariano Armellino, Federico was operated on the very same day. The team led by Borriello, composed of Antonio Zaffiro, Barbara Maisto and Armando Parisi, supported by the nursing team of the Emergency Surgery operating room, performed a highly delicate emergency reconstructive procedure.
Ear reconstruction represents one of the most complex challenges in plastic surgery: the auricle is a three-dimensional structure made of elastic cartilage covered by extremely thin skin, with ridges and folds that define its unique shape. Faithfully reproducing this anatomy requires extreme precision and a deep knowledge of microsurgical techniques.
In Federico's case, the difficulty was amplified by the nature of the trauma: the propeller's clean cut had completely severed all cartilaginous structures, leaving the ear connected to the head only by a tiny skin flap. The surgeons had to meticulously reconstruct every anatomical plane — from cartilage to skin — while ensuring adequate blood supply for tissue survival.
"All anatomical planes were reconstructed — continues Borriello — without sacrificing anything and fully restoring the integrity and aesthetics of the ear." The surgical outcome preserved the natural shape of the auricle, with all its characteristic ridges and contours.
During the postoperative course, the patient remained hospitalized in Emergency Surgery, where he was monitored and treated in collaboration with the Plastic Surgery team, with targeted wound care and constant monitoring of the vascularization of the reconstructed tissues.
All anatomical planes reconstructed without sacrificing any tissue: the 16-year-old fully recovered the integrity and aesthetics of his ear.
Federico is now well, was able to return home and embrace his loved ones. He will be followed up in the coming days at the Plastic Surgery outpatient clinic of Ospedale del Mare for postoperative check-ups and healing monitoring.
"Our staff — comments Director General Gaetano Gubitosa — intervened with promptness and professionalism in a commendable manner, bringing to completion an extremely delicate procedure."
This case represents yet another example of multidisciplinary excellence at Ospedale del Mare. The speed with which the boy was received in the Emergency Department, the immediate collaboration between Armellino's Emergency Surgery and Borriello's Plastic Surgery, and the efficiency of the operating room nursing team made it possible to intervene during the crucial hours following the trauma.
The Plastic Surgery Unit at Ospedale del Mare, under the leadership of Dr. Borriello, confirms its role as a reference point for emergency reconstructive surgery in the Campania region, tackling highly complex cases on a daily basis with results that attest to the excellence of public healthcare.
Trauma involving partial or complete ear detachment requires immediate surgical intervention to maximize the chances of successful reconstruction. Time is a decisive factor: the sooner the intervention, the greater the chances of saving the tissue and achieving an optimal aesthetic result. In the event of an accident with ear injuries, it is essential to:
Thanks to the presence of specialized reconstructive plastic surgery teams, Ospedale del Mare is able to handle even the most complex traumatic emergencies, offering patients the best chances of recovery.
This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not in any way replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical questions or concerns, it is essential to consult your physician or a qualified specialist.
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