Retroauricular lymph node flap: An anatomic and surgical feasibility study

Background: The study investigated the anatomy of the retroauricular lymph node (LN) flap and evaluate its surgical feasibility as a new donor site for a free LN flap in lymphedema surgery.

Methods: Twelve adult cadavers were examined. The course and perfusion of the anterior auricular artery (AAA) and the location and sizes of the retroauricular LNs were studied.

Results: The AAA was available in 87% and absent in 13% specimens. The AAA's origin had a mean vertical distance of 12.2 ± 6.9 mm and a mean horizontal distance of 19.1 ± 4.2 mm from the superior attachment of the ear. The mean diameter of the AAA was 0.8 ± 0.2 mm. The mean number of LN per region was 7.7 ± 2.3, with an average LN size of 4.1 ± 1.9 × 3.2 ± 1.7 mm. The LN were categorized into anterior (G1) and posterior (G2) groups, with a total of 59 and 10 LN, respectively. In a cluster analysis, three LN clusters could be detected across the anterior group (G1).

Conclusions: The retroauricular LN flap is a delicate but feasible flap with reliable anatomy, containing a mean of 7.7 LNs.