Upper eyelid reconstruction with forehead galeal flap

The Use of the Pericranial Periosteal Flap in Children for Treating Severe Lower Eyelid Retraction

PURPOSE

To describe a surgical technique that can achieve significant lower eyelid elevation in severe retraction in children using a pericranial periosteal flap with skin graft.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center, case series of 3 consecutive pediatric cases are performed where a pericranial periosteal flap was used with a skin graft to manage severe lower eyelid retraction. Outcome measures include the extent of lower eyelid elevation (mm) and complications in the follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Three children with severe lower eyelid retraction underwent the surgery. There were 2 boys and 1 girl with the mean age of 6.7 years (range, 5-8 years). The improvement of lower eyelid retraction was 3, 3, and 7 mm at 28, 24, and 6 months, respectively. No perioperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with severe lower eyelid retraction often have a complex craniofacial and surgical history, and its surgical correction can be challenging. This case series present the successful use of pericranial flaps in treating severe lower eyelid retraction in children. The authors recommend this flap in children where traditional options have either failed or are not applicable.

Posterior lamellar reconstruction: a comprehensive review of the literature

The aim of the review is to describe the different techniques and materials available to reconstruct the tarsoconjunctival layer of the eyelid; to analyze their indications, advantages, and disadvantages. We searched the Cochrane, PubMed, and Ovid MEDLINE databases for English articles published between January 1990 and January 2017 using variations of the following key words: "posterior lamella," "eyelid reconstruction," "tarsoconjunctival," "flap," and "graft." Two reviewers checked the abstracts of the articles found to eliminate redundant or not relevant articles. The references of the identified articles were screened manually to include relevant works not found through the initial search. The search identified 174 articles. Only a few articles with a therapeutic level of evidence were found. Techniques for the posterior lamellar reconstruction can be categorized as local, regional, and distant flaps; tarsoconjunctival, heterotopic, homologous, and heterologous grafts. Several techniques and variations on the techniques exist to reconstruct the posterior lamella, and, for similar indications, there's no evidence of the primacy of one over the other. Defect size and location as well as patient features must guide the oculoplastic surgeon's choice. The use of biomaterials can avoid possible complications of the donor site.

Forehead galeal pericranial flap for single-staged total upper eyelid reconstruction in sebaceous gland carcinoma excision

Purpose

To present a successful case of single-staged total upper eyelid reconstruction after sebaceous gland carcinoma excision by using forehead galeal pericranial flap.

Observations

An 80-year-old female with a progressively enlarged left upper eyelid mass presented with ocular irritation, blurred vision, and gritty sensation despite topical antibiotics treatment. This multinodular mass involved the left total upper eyelid, compromised corneal surface integrity, and caused complete ptosis. Excisional biopsy confirmed advanced sebaceous gland carcinoma, which was followed by extensive excision. The resultant total upper eyelid defect was reconstructed by a forehead galeal pericranial flap accompanied by anterior and posterior lamellar grafts. For the 34-month follow-up period, patient remained symptom-free without tumor recurrence and achieved acceptable cosmetic outcome.

Conclusion

The forehead galeal pericranial flap appears to be effective as single-staged total upper lid reconstruction following extensive sebaceous gland carcinoma excision to restore eyelid function, avoid corneal exposure, and achieve acceptable cosmesis.

Total Upper Eyelid Reconstruction with Modified Cutler-Beard Procedure Using Autogenous Auricular Cartilage

INTRODUCTION

Malignant tumour in upper lid is a surgical challenge to oculoplastic surgeon. Full thickness defect created after removal of large tumour promptly treated with modified cutler beard procedure using autogenous auricular cartilage. Surgical procedure is two staged: In first stage, removal of the tumour followed by full thickness flap repaired; In second stage, opening the closed lid with lid margin repair. Post-operatively, there is good anatomical, functional and cosmetic restoration of the eyelid similar to the other eye.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of the modified Cutler-Beard procedure using autogenous ear cartilage for tarsal plate reconstruction in the repair of 70-100% upper eyelid defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective, interventional case series of 16 patients over a period of three years. Patients with upper eyelid defects, secondary to removal of tumour, greater than or equal to 70% were included. Of these patients, those with lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, lower eyelid involvement, corneal infiltration or intra-orbital extension were excluded. FNAC was done in all the cases. Created defect was measured in mm (length and width) and later expressed in percentage. Pre and Post-operative measurement of Levator Palpebrae Superioris (LPS) was done. Pre and Post-operative measurement of Margin to Reflex Distance (MRD1) were also noted.

RESULTS

Upper eyelid recreation was successful in all patients without complications. Pre-operative LPS action ranged from 0-4 mm, while post-operative LPS action was 12-14 mm. Pre-operative MRD1 ranged from -4 millimeters to -1 mm, while post-operative MRD1 was +3 to +4 millimeters. The follow-up period ranged from six months to two years. Every patient had a successful upper eyelid reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

The modified Cutler-Beard procedure using an autogenous auricular cartilage graft is an effective procedure for repair of large upper eyelid defects, with acceptable functional and cosmetic results. Furthermore, it is particularly useful in resource-poor areas, due to lower cost than other available options.

Extensive full-thickness eyelid reconstruction with rotation flaps through "subcutaneous tunnel" and palatal mucosal grafts

AIM

To reconstruct the extensive full-thickness defects of eyelids is a challenge for the plastic surgeon because of their complex anatomy and special functions. This article presents and discusses an improved surgical technique in which the orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is rotated through a "subcutaneous tunnel" in conjunction with a palatal mucosal graft employed for lining.

METHODS

Data from 22 eyes with extensive full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed in this study. After the different layers of eyelid were separated completely, a temporally based orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap was designed following fishtail lines and was mobilized, leaving the base of the pedicle intact with a submuscular tissue attachment. The flap was then rotated through a "subcutaneous tunnel" to the defect, and the donor site was closed primarily. Posterior lamellar reconstruction was performed with a mucosal graft harvested from the hard palate.

RESULTS

All the flaps were survived without any healing problems. There was no corneal irritation, flap contraction, or significant donor-site morbidity in the follow-up period. The incision scars were almost invisible. The defects were repaired completely, and the evaluations showed satisfactory function and appearance.

CONCLUSION

This technique is an improved single-stage operation and can be applied to repair large, full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes. With our method, the functional and aesthetic results can be obtained in either the upper or lower eyelids.

Oncologic surgery of the eyelid and orbital region

Oncologic surgery of the eyelid and orbital region is a challenge in dermatologic surgery. This region presents difficulties and possible complications that do not exist at other sites, including ectropion, epiphora, corneal exposure, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and lagophthalmos. Adequate oncologic surgery associated with the best possible functional and cosmetic result requires extensive knowledge of the anatomy, innervation, and blood supply of the eyelid and anatomy of the lacrimal apparatus. We present examples of reconstructive surgical techniques that can be used after the excision of tumors of the upper or lower eyelid, with descriptions of the different flaps and grafts employed in our department in recent years. We also review the surgical techniques according to the site and size of the lesions.

Reconstruction of periorbital region defects: A retrospective study

Background:

Although the periorbital region forms less than 1% of the total body surface, it has a very complex anatomy; therefore, it requires a detailed approach. In this work, we aim to present the clinical applications and related literature for the algorithm of the technique which will be applied, according to the location of the defect, in choosing the surgery treatment method. Factors affecting the results and different treatment methods of the anatomical region, including its difficult reconstruction, will also be included.

Materials and Methods:

A review of 177 periorbital region defect reconstructions was performed.

Results:

As a treatment method, in 76 (43%) patients primary closure was chosen, 39 (22%) patients had grafts and in 62 (35%) patients a flap was chosen as a treatment alternative. With respect to postoperative complications, there were a total of 6 (3.38%) patients observed with venous congestion. In 11 (6.21%) patients ectropion developed, in 1 (0.56%) patient minimal space between the eyelids while monitoring recovery was observed and in 1 (0.56%) patient, flap loss was observed due to a circulatory disorder.

Conclusions:

The aim of reconstruction is to repair the defect suitable to normal physiological and anatomical values. As a result, before the surgical treatments in this difficult anatomical region, the defect width and anatomical localization must be evaluated. The most suitable reconstruction method must be identified, using an evaluation of the algorithm and the required functional and esthetical results can be obtained with intraoperative flexible behavior and a change of method, when necessary.

Partial and total lower lid reconstruction: our experience with 41 cases

PURPOSE

To report our experience on lid reconstruction in patients with epitheliomas.

METHODS

A total of 41 consecutive patients affected by basal cell (n=32) or squamous cell carcinoma (n=9) underwent partial (n=35) or total (n=6) surgical demolition of the lower lid. Surgical defects<25% (n=10) received direct closure. If the defect involved 30-60% of the eyelid (n=21), a Tenzel semicircular flap or lateral advancement flap with a free mucosal graft was used. If the entire lid or a major part of the outer lamella had to be reconstructed (n=10), a cheek advancement flap was used, with a free mucosal graft if the posterior lamella was involved. The success rates and the cosmetic and functional results were evaluated.

RESULTS

All 21 flaps used for partial reconstruction remained viable, whereas 1 of the 10 cheek flaps developed partial distal necrosis. Of the 27 mucosal grafts, 2 had to be removed for total necrosis, and 2 developed partial necrosis. In all cases, normal lid function and acceptable cosmetic results were obtained. Complications occurring in 4 cases (1 ectropion and 3 epiphora) were successfully managed with appropriate surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Local flaps are the gold standard for lower lid reconstruction as they are highly reliable and guarantee optimal results. The technical details described in this study can help in achieving such results.

Orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flap for upper eyelid reconstruction

The cosmetic and functional outcomes of a reconstruction of an upper eyelid defect due to trauma or neoplasm are very important. This article reports the technique of an orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flap for covering small- to moderate-sized defects of the upper eyelid. Between March 2008 and March 2010, 5 patients underwent surgery for an upper eyelid reconstruction. After tumor excision and debridement, the eyelid margin was closed directly before the reconstruction. The flap was designed just beside the defect considering the amount of tissue remaining for the reconstruction. The flap was elevated by splitting the muscle by the direction of its fibers without damaging the pedicle. The elevated flap was then transposed to the defect without tension.The orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is a single-stage reconstruction with reliable vascularity. It can be used to cover a defect without compromising the primary closure of the donor site and can be customized to reconstruct the defect with minimal tissue. Therefore, an orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flap can be an alternative for a single-stage reconstruction of small- to moderate-sized defects of the upper eyelid.

Single-stage frontalis muscle flap for full-thickness reconstruction of the upper eyelid

BACKGROUND

Full-thickness upper eyelid defects present a reconstructive challenge. Defects greater than 50% of the upper eyelid have traditionally been reconstructed with bulky full-thickness forehead flaps, Cutler-Beard flaps, Mustarde eyelid switches, and cheek rotation advancements, all mandating a second-stage surgical procedure. We propose a novel technique for full-thickness upper eyelid reconstruction based on a frontalis muscle flap elevated from the resection defect, thus resulting in no additional forehead scar.

METHODS

Our patient is a 48-year-old woman with an enlarging right upper eyelid sebaceous cell carcinoma. A subsequent single-stage resection resulted in a medial full-thickness defect of 75% of the upper eyelid. The lateral and medial canthi were preserved. A palatal mucoperiosteal graft was harvested for the reconstruction of the posterior lamella. Dissection was carried through the excision defect in a preseptal plane over the supraorbital rim and subcutaneously over the frontalis muscle. A caudally pedicled frontalis muscle flap was elevated and inset to the defect edges with mild tension. Reconstruction of the skin defect of the upper eyelid was completed with a full-thickness preauricular skin graft.

RESULTS

The patient had no complications and demonstrated good function and aesthetic result at 15 weeks and at 9 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontalis muscle flap-based reconstruction offers a viable option for upper eyelid defects that are full thickness and encompass more than 50% of the eyelid. We obtained a functionally and aesthetically pleasing outcome with this single-stage procedure using a preexisting incision with minimal donor-site morbidity.

Laser-Doppler examination of the blood supply in pericranial flaps

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there is evidence suggestive of blood flow within pericranial flaps.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An index of blood flow using laser-Doppler blood flowmetry was obtained in pericranial flaps from 10 patients who were undergoing a coronal flap for reconstructive procedures. The data were analyzed using fast Fourier transformation to indicate the presence or absence of blood flow.

RESULTS

All but 1 pericranial flap showed evidence of blood flow within. Most flaps had blood flow even several centimeters distal to the origin of the flaps' pedicles.

CONCLUSION

The data clearly indicate that pericranial flaps contain at least some blood flow. However, the quantity of blood flow could not be assessed using this technology.