Mangalore: In a remarkable demonstration of surgical excellence and compassionate care, the Plastic Surgery Department at Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) has successfully performed a complex ear reconstruction surgery on a 13-year-old boy born with ‘Microtia’, a congenital condition where the external ear is absent or underdeveloped.
The young patient had only one normally formed ear since birth, which affected both physical appearance and self-confidence. Seeking advanced treatment, the family approached FMMCH, where the highly skilled Plastic Surgery team undertook the challenging task of recreating the ear using the patient’s own rib cartilage – a gold standard technique in reconstructive microsurgery. The intricate procedure was completed in two carefully planned stages. During the first stage, rib cartilage was harvested from the patient and meticulously sculpted to create a natural ear framework. The second stage involved elevating the constructed ear from its base and covering the area with a skin graft to achieve a realistic contour and projection. The surgery was successfully completed without complications, reflecting the precision, expertise, and coordinated teamwork of the specialists involved.
This sophisticated reconstructive procedure highlights the advanced surgical capabilities and patient-centred approach at FMMCH, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class healthcare with compassion. The hospital’s multidisciplinary collaboration ensured seamless care, from surgical planning to anaesthesia management and post-operative support. The surgery was spearheaded by Professor and Head of the Department, Dr. Aravind Rao, with expert support from consultants Dr. Karthik Aithal and Dr. Sai Ananthalakshmi. Critical anaesthesia support was provided by Professor Dr. Radhesh Hegde and Dr. Abhiram Shastry, along with the dedicated nursing team led by OT In-charge Reshma, whose coordinated efforts contributed significantly to the successful outcome.
The patient and his family expressed immense gratitude to the hospital management and the medical team for transforming the child’s life. The boy’s father conveyed heartfelt appreciation for not only restoring his son’s physical appearance but also rebuilding his confidence and enabling him to look forward to life with renewed self-esteem. This achievement stands as yet another testament to the commitment of Father Muller Medical College Hospital to combine advanced medical expertise with empathy, continuing its legacy of service in restoring health, dignity, and hope.