Ear arteriovenous malformation: an algorithm for management.

[INTRODUCTION] Ear arteriovenous malformation is a complex problem with a lack of data and a clear consensus on its management. This paper aims to develop an algorithm for protocol-based ear arteriovenous malformation management.

[METHOD] All patients underwent pre-operative discussions at a multi-disciplinary team meeting to plan excision and pre-operative embolisation.

[RESULTS] Nineteen patients were included in this study. Following excision, 26.3 per cent of cases had flap cover, 10.5 per cent needed a skin graft, 15.3 per cent had total amputation of the ear, and the rest underwent excision of the arteriovenous malformation with or without cartilage excision and primary closure. Recurrence was observed in 10.5 per cent of cases.

[CONCLUSION] Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for ear arteriovenous malformations. Cartilage should be preserved whenever possible. The wound cover should be either a primary closure or a flap cover. A protocol-based guide facilitates decision-making of this complex problem.