Objective       To analyze the differences in the postoperative complications between the Brent technique and tissue expander technique of auricular reconstruction

summarize the common complications of the former

and investigate on how to prevent and manage them

such as hematoma

infection

and framework exposure.       Methods       Clinical data of the patients who suffered from complications after auricular reconstruction with Brent technique or tissue expander technique in our department from October 2009 to October 2015 were collected and retrospectively analyzed in this study. For those undergoing Brent technique of auricular reconstruction

drainage and puncture were used to treat hematoma

dressing change and drainage were used for infection treatment

and dressing change

local skin flap and temporal superficial fascia flaps combined with split skin graft transplantation were used in the treatment of framework exposure.       Results        The incidence of complications was significantly lower in Brent technique than the tissue expander technique (P0.05). With the above mentioned managements

the hematoma was evacuated

the wound was healed

and the framework exposure was recovered. The framework exposure commonly took place within 4～6 weeks postoperatively. It occurred mostly in the junction of the mastoid skin flap and ear vestige

followed by the posteriorsuperior margin of the helix. After drainage

medication

surgery and other treatment again

wound healing and skin flap survival were observed in all the patients.      Conclusion         The incidence of complications is lower in the Brent technique than the tissue expander technique of auricular reconstruction. In the former surgery

clinicians should particularly reduce the tension of skin flap intraoperatively

and observe the blood supply of the flaps postoperatively. Dressing

skin flap transposition

or fascial flap combined with skin graft transplantation should be employed to heal the wounds.