The operation duration varies by age. It takes four and a half hours for a six-year-old child. We once performed surgery on a 17-year-old patient, which lasted six hours. Harder bone structure leads to longer surgery time, while younger children require shorter operating hours.

Few otologists encounter such patients, making the surgery extremely challenging. Surgeons must have thorough mastery of anatomical structures, and the operation can only be carried out with the assistance of anesthesiologists and various monitoring devices. We have completed over 600 such surgeries. I firmly believe that consistent operators performing standardized procedures at fixed positions guarantees surgical outcomes. Postoperative rehabilitation is also a vital part of the treatment. Hence, we maintain a consulting team accessible to patients at all times.

First, we need to clarify the definition of surgical failure. The goal of the surgery is to restore hearing in the affected ear, and failure occurs if hearing cannot be recovered. The most common cause is dampness, infection and discharge in the newly formed ear canal after surgery. Therefore, keeping the canal dry is the core of postoperative recovery. Patients are advised to avoid swimming for a period after surgery. When bathing, apply petroleum jelly to the ear opening to block water ingress with its hydrophobic property. We provide patients with a first-aid kit containing all necessary medicines, supplies and instruments for up to one year post-operation. Local doctors are invited to observe and assist during surgeries to handle potential postoperative complications, ensuring stable recovery within three years. The ear canal will stay stable after this period. Adolescent patients receive special care. Regular follow-ups are scheduled if the recovery period overlaps with puberty, as they require targeted professional guidance due to physical changes.

This is why we traveled halfway across the globe to China. We found that 90% of patients requiring reconstructive surgery do not reside locally. Local physicians lack knowledge of patients' preoperative conditions and surgical procedures, which limits their treatment options. Therefore, we invite Chinese doctors or practitioners from the patients' hometowns to participate in each operation. In-depth communication ensures reliable surgical outcomes and effective postoperative recovery.

There are various reasons requiring revision surgery, mostly occurring within three years post-operation and during puberty. In the first three years, the newly reconstructed ear canal skin is more fragile and lacks self-cleaning ability. It is prone to infection, discharge and odor if not cleaned timely or kept damp. Improper or delayed treatment narrows the ear opening, which further restricts air circulation and worsens moisture, infection and discharge. Such issues are not always surgery-related. Natural ear canals can also get infected and discharge fluid when children catch colds, fevers or otitis media. Therefore, keeping the new canal dry is critical, along with regular cleaning. We recommend cleaning one month after surgery, then three months later, and subsequently every six months. Conditions differ in puberty. Accelerated metabolism leads to buildup of dead skin, oil and debris. Excessive sebum secretion weakens the skin. Without self-cleaning function, more frequent cleaning is necessary. Additionally, new bone tissue may grow if surgery is performed during puberty, so it is advised to avoid this period.

The goal of ear canal reconstruction is to restore patients' hearing. We will not perform the surgery if hearing recovery cannot be achieved. We first evaluate the condition via the Jahrsdoerfer scoring system. Surgery can be considered when the score reaches 7 points or above.

There is no fixed duration for the recovery period. It should be noted that regular follow-ups with an otologist are required lifelong after ear canal reconstruction. Extra care is needed within the first three years after surgery and throughout puberty. Keep the ear canal dry, clean and well ventilated to accelerate stabilization. Once fully stable, the reconstructed canal can be cared for just like a normal one.

We provide seven days of in-hospital rehabilitation after surgery. During this period, internal packing materials will be gradually removed. We will inform you of regular cleaning schedules. Before discharge, you will receive a package containing all supplies needed for the child within the following year. You may contact our assistants for additional items, which will be delivered to you by mail.