Separation of part or all of the ear from the rest of the head.
The cause is usually traumatic although it may be secondary to elective surgery.
When amputation is performed in the context of surgery, blood vessels are ligated to prevent bleeding before cutting tissue and cartilage. The most frequent causes are diseases that cause poor blood circulation, tumors, deformities, infections and/or gangrene.
When amputation occurs in the context of trauma, hemorrhage and tissue loss are usually greater. If tearing occurs, bleeding can be massive and surgical repair very difficult. The most frequent causes are bites, traffic accidents, occupational accidents and lesions secondary to aggression.
The treatment of choice is surgical and its priority is to save as much tissue as possible and avoid bleeding and infection.
In cases of traumatic amputation, direct compression can be used to stop the bleeding until the surgical revision is performed. If the amputated ear and the stump receive appropriate care, its reattachment in a specialized center can be considered.
