Comprehensive Management Of Congenital Ear Malformations: From Aesthetic Correction To Functional Reconstruction
09-12, 08:00–08:30 (Europe/Istanbul), Facial Plastic 2 (ICC - B3 Floor - 3B/01)

Ear malformations are among the most significant topics in facial plastic surgery (FPS), as they involve both aesthetic reshaping and functional restoration. These malformations, especially congenital cases such as microtia, external auditory canal atresia, and stenosis, demand careful evaluation and individualized management strategies. Importantly, the diagnosis and treatment of ear anomalies require close multidisciplinary collaboration—spanning plastic surgery, otology, audiology, genetics, and biomedical engineering.

in this keynote lecture, we will present an overview of china’s extensive clinical and scientific work in the comprehensive management of congenital ear malformations. Drawing from our center’s experience with thousands of patients, this talk will summarize surgical strategies for auricular correction and functional ear reconstruction, particularly in cases involving external auditory canal stenosis and atresia. We will highlight the challenges and technical refinements involved in these procedures and share outcome data and long-term follow-up.

a key focus will be on the application of bone conduction hearing technologies in patients with congenital outer and middle ear malformations, including selection criteria, surgical techniques, and auditory outcomes. Additionally, we will present recent progress in the genetic study of ear malformations in chinese populations, including the identification of susceptibility genes and genotype-phenotype correlations that may guide personalized management.

emerging technologies such as bioengineered materials and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools are also opening new possibilities in ear reconstruction. We will discuss their potential value in optimizing surgical planning, prosthesis design, and patient-specific outcomes.

one of the core messages of this keynote will be the importance of establishing a structured and systematic classification for congenital ear anomalies to assist clinical decision-making. Such classification systems are essential in aligning patient expectations with feasible outcomes, especially in complex cases such as congenital auditory canal atresia, where discrepancies between functional demands and achievable surgical results are common.

outcome objectives:

·         to provide an in-depth overview of clinical experience and research progress in the multidisciplinary treatment of congenital ear malformations.

·         to highlight challenges in the practice of auricular reconstruction and functional ear surgery for external auditory canal stenosis and atresia.

·         to discuss the indications, techniques, and outcomes of bone conduction hearing devices in complex cases.

·         to introduce recent genetic findings and their clinical implications in ear anomaly diagnosis and counseling.

·         to explore the application of new technologies such as biomaterials and AI in the diagnosis and treatment workflow.

·         to advocate for the development and adoption of standardized classification systems for congenital ear malformations to improve clinical decision-making and patient communication.

this keynote aims to foster international exchange, promote evidence-based standards, and advance the field of congenital ear malformation management.

This proposal aims to promote international collaboration and academic exchange in the field of congenital ear malformations. By sharing china’s extensive clinical experience and research progress, the keynote will foster dialogue on surgical innovations, hearing rehabilitation strategies, and genetic insights. It also seeks to highlight the value of new technologies such as biomaterials and AI in improving patient outcomes. Ultimately, the presentation will encourage the development of standardized classification systems and multidisciplinary approaches, advancing global best practices and optimizing care for patients with complex ear anomalies.

Co-Chair Co-Chair
AKIN ŞAHİN
Session Chair Session Chair
Rinor Ajeti
Speaker Speaker
Chen-Long Li
Rinor Ajeti

Dr. Rinor Ajeti, MD is an otorhinolaryngologist based in Kosovo with clinical and research interests in rhinology and otology, including audiology. He is actively engaged in academic research and has authored and co-authored more than six peer-reviewed publications in international journals, focusing on inflammatory ENT disorders, hearing loss, and rare clinical entities. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Medicine.

Dr. Ajeti has received extensive training in facial plastic surgery, including advanced rhinoplasty fellowships in Turkey. He is an active speaker at international congresses and has presented on advanced otoplasty techniques, having performed over 600 procedures. His expertise encompasses modern rhinoplasty, facial aesthetics, and ear surgery, with a strong emphasis on innovative, patient-centered surgical outcomes.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ajeti continues to contribute to the international medical literature and remains committed to continuous professional development through international courses and scientific meetings, further advancing his academic and surgical contributions to otorhinolaryngology.

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AKIN ŞAHİN

Op. Dr. Akın Şahin , successfully graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (English) in 2013. In 2014, he started his specialty training at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. After 5 years of training in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, he successfully completed the qualification exam in this field in 2019 and graduated as an Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery specialist.

He worked as an Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgeon at Ardahan State Hospital and Tuzla State Hospital for 2 years and successfully managed many cases as the ENT and Head and Neck surgeon of the region. After working as an ENT specialist in a private hospital for a while, I opened my own private health clinic. Dozens of studies conducted by Dr. Akın during his education and after he became a specialist in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery were published in national and international journals. He is currently participating and directing several clinical trials. He has participated in many international and national congresses and symposiums. Dr. Akın continues to follow the latest developments and current surgical methods in his field by attending many congresses, conferences and seminars.

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Chen-Long Li

Dr. Chenlong Li, M.D., Ph.D., is an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon and plastic surgeon at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. He serves as a member of the International Society of Auricular Reconstruction (ISAR). Dr. Li has long been dedicated to fundamental and translational research on congenital outer and middle ear anomalies, with particular expertise in functional ear reconstruction, hearing rehabilitation and revision surgery for congenital aural atresia and bone conduction hearing devices. He has performed over 2,500 cases of auricular reconstruction and external auditory canal surgery, with more than 300 canaloplasty procedures annually. He has published over 50 papers and contributed to the International Consensus Recommendations on Microtia, Aural Atresia and Functional Ear Reconstruction.

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