Ear Wedges

The Mastering Ear Wedges course provides a thorough exploration of wedge excisions for ear-related skin cancer surgery. Led by Dr. Alister Lilleyman, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical techniques for addressing this challenging surgical area.

This course covers the fundamental principles of wedge excisions in ear surgery, focusing on full-thickness excisions involving the skin, cartilage, and subunits of the ear. Key topics include:
- Ear Anatomy: Understanding ear subunits such as the helix, antihelix, concha, and lobule, and how these influence surgical planning and closure.
- Excision Techniques: Designing elliptical wedges with optimal angles to minimise notching and discrepancies in closure lines. Advanced techniques like Z-plasty, step wedges, and star wedges are explained to address various scenarios.
- Suturing and Closure: Employing precise suturing methods to ensure symmetry, avoid buckling, and maintain ear contour. Suturing materials, tension reduction strategies, and vertical mattress techniques for edge eversion are detailed.
- Case Demonstrations: Real-world examples and videos demonstrate techniques on different ear subunits, showcasing solutions for challenging cases and ensuring cosmetic excellence.

This interactive course emphasises achieving tumor clearance while preserving ear aesthetics and function, preparing practitioners to manage ear defects with confidence and skill.

1. Evaluate the application of advancement flaps to closures on the face and lower limb.
2. Categorise specific aspects of ear anatomy and evaluate its influence on closure technique.
3. Plan a wedge excision in a simulated environment and evaluate its application to ear surgery.
4. Evaluate surgical decisions for planning closures on ear defects, including the use of flaps, grafts and wedges.

All degree qualified medical practitioners.