In situ split costal cartilage graft harvesting through a small incision using a gouge

Abstract

A costal cartilage graft is one of the most useful materials in reconstructive plastic surgery. In this article a technique of in situ split costal cartilage graft harvesting through a small incision (2 to 3 cm) using a gouge is described. The technique used has many advantages: it is a simple technique is easy to learn and can be performed quickly through a small incision. By avoiding complete costal cartilage graft harvesting the associated potential complications such as pleural perforation chest wall deformities long-lasting postoperative pain and incisional scar length are reduced. This technique will be useful in selected cases for which a complete block of costal cartilage graft is not needed.