Microtia is a term referring to a significantly malformed, poorly developed external ear.  While it is relatively uncommon, it appears to be more prevalent in Central and South America than in North America.  Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of the anomaly, though a specific genetic marker has not been found.

How is microtia repaired?
Over the past 25 years, a surgical strategy for the correction of microtia has been developed.  It involves three to four separate operations, each spaced at least two months apart.

Careful surgical technique and postoperative care can lead to very acceptable results for most patients.  

The first stage involves a 2 to 3 hour operation, while the remaining stages are performed each in less than 2 hours.  Often there are several surgeons involved in the first stage operation, where a small segment of three adjacent ribs is removed from the chest wall and fashioned into a three-dimensional auricular structure.

About Microtia Repair -

and the Importance of a Nerve Monitoring System 

Microtia repair requires a surgeon to work in close proximity to the main facial nerve.  If this nerve becomes damaged, it will lead to weakness or paralysis on half of the face.  Clearly, in surgery this complex, it is imperative to maintain the highest standards in patient safety, so HUGS team of surgeons will closely monitor this nerve during the surgical procedure with our state-of-the-art Nerve Monitoring System.  We have taken this piece of medical equipment with us on each medical mission in the past, but this is increasingly difficult to do partly because of the baggage restrictions on airplanes.

We would like to purchase the equipment to be permanently installed in the hospital in Quito for future missions. The cost of this equipment is $29,500.  Please join our valued group of Gracious Donors with your gift so that this important Nerve Monitoring System can add to the success of our missions!

Please click here to help support HUGS.  Any amount is highly valued and appreciated.