Lower Eyelid Reconstruction

Cyanoacrylate glue as a novel skin substitute in periocular skin excisions: case series and literature review

OBJECTIVE

Despite the widespread use of cyanoacrylate glue (CA) as an alternative for wound closure, its potential as a sole skin substitute material in periocular skin surgery remains unexplored. The primary objective was to determine the viability of CA as a sole skin substitute in periocular skin surgery after excision.

DESIGN

Single-centre retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

All patients were treated at the McGill University Health Centre from August 2023 to November 2023, where CA served as the sole skin substitute material after periocular skin excision.

RESULTS

Three female and one male patient, with a mean age of 75 years, received treatment with CA after skin excision for both cancerous and benign skin lesions. Specifically, histopathology revealed 2 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and 2 benign lesions. The skin defects after excision ranged from 4 × 3 mm to 15 × 30 mm. No complications were observed between CA graft insertion and final skin re-epithelization. Complete re-epithelization was achieved in all patients at final follow-up without evidence of excessive skin contraction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a novel approach by using CA as a skin substitute material in periocular skin excisions. Its liquid form allows for easy application and conforms well to irregular wound surfaces. CA may offer economic advantages, including lower material cost and shorter surgical operating times, compared with traditional skin substitutes. Further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate CA's role as a skin substitute in periocular skin reconstruction.

Functional inferior canalicular reconstruction using a monocanalicular probe after tumor resection of the medial third of the lower eyelid

PURPOSE

To describe a surgical technique for functionally reconstructing a lacrimal drainage duct and to assess its long-term functionality.

METHODS

This observational review includes six cases involving reconstruction of the inferior canaliculus after surgical resection of lower eyelid carcinoma. Following lesion excision with safety margins, the epithelium of the distal portion of the inferior canaliculus is located and intubated with a monocanalicular probe. Subsequently, the eyelid lamellae are reconstructed without displacing the probe. The Monoka collarette is then sutured using a 10/0 nylon suture. Data collection included anatomic pathology of the lesion and data from ophthalmic examinations at each visit (including epiphora, inferior canalicular irrigation, and fluorescein dye disappearance test [FDDT]), as well as stent extrusion or other complications.

RESULTS

No complications were observed during the surgeries. The stents remained in place for an average of 4months, with no extrusions prior to removal. The mean follow-up period was 4.8years (SD=2.0), during which no other complications were noted. Only one patient experienced intermittent epiphora, also present in the fellow eye. At the final visit, FDDT was normal in all eyes, and all patients demonstrated patency of the inferior canaliculus upon irrigation.

CONCLUSION

Primary reconstruction of an inferior lacrimal drainage duct following tumor resection can be successfully performed, resulting in favorable functional recovery.

Combining the Tunnel Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Flap Technique With Skin Grafting for Enhanced Adhesion in Burn-Induced Ectropion Repair

PURPOSE

Scar contracture of the eyelid following facial burns often has adverse consequences. Total cicatricial contracture often makes adjustment flap translation challenging to implement. Previously used upper and lower eyelid adhesion methods are ineffective for patients with severe cicatricial contracture, and ectropion can easily recur. This study aimed to retrospectively examine upper and lower eyelid adhesions using an orbicularis oculi muscle flap and verify its stability.

METHODS

In patients with ectropion caused by severe scar contracture following head and face burns, we employed a tunnel orbicularis oculi muscle flap technique, which involved creating a tunnel between the skin and the tarsal plate of the eyelid, mobilizing the orbicularis oculi muscle, and rotating it into this tunnel to provide stable adhesion of the upper and lower eyelids. Full-thickness skin grafting was then performed. The eyelids were examined postoperatively to determine whether reoperation was necessary and to monitor for any potential complications.

RESULTS

This study included 26 patients and 46 eyes. No accidental disconnection occurred after eyelid adhesion, which lasted for an average of 21.87 ± 10.08 months before the eyelid adhesion was cut open. No complications or adverse reactions occurred, and the adhesions did not break unexpectedly.

CONCLUSIONS

Repairing eyelid ectropion with the tunnel orbicularis oculi muscle flap is a simple procedure that immediately creates tension against upper and lower eyelid contractures, providing long-term stable adhesion. This method avoids structural disorders, such as eyelid margin scarring, minimally influences surrounding tissues, and has few postoperative complications. It holds great value for repairing eyelid tissue defects and warrants further study.

Surgical excision of eyelid tumors and subsequent ophthalmoplastic reconstruction

In recent years new modern therapeutic concepts have been developed in the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors; however, surgical restoration remains an important component of the therapeutic options addressed, which include microsurgical tumor excision into healthy tissue and subsequent coverage of the defects. An ophthalmic surgeon experienced in oculoplastic surgery is responsible for the recognition and evaluation of the existing alterations and planning a procedure together with the patient that meets the patient's expectations. The planning of surgery must always be individualized and fit the initial findings. Depending on the defect size and localization, different coverage strategies are available to the surgeon. To ensure successful reconstruction, every surgeon should master a wide range of reconstructive techniques.

Anatomical Basis for the Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

The tear trough, hollow concavity of the lower eyelid, is one of the recognizable signs of facial aging. Anatomical description is essential in improving tear through deformity for facial rejuvenation.

METHODS

Fifty cadaver were microdissected. Fat pad types, fat herniation and the fibrous support system of lower lid were investigated. The areas of the fat compartments were compared using photogrammetry method and ImageJ software.

RESULTS

Lower lids develop palpebral bags as a result of herniation of orbital fat against a weak orbital septum in all cases (%100). The attachment of the arcus marginalis at the orbital edge is a large contributor to the middle-aged appearance of the midface in all cases (100%). The most common type is Type 1 (36%). In this type, three distinct fat pads were diverged by arcuate expansion at lateral, fascia of the inferior oblique muscle at medial, as central, medial and lateral. Type 2 specimens (20%) were observed with two fat pads. Double convexity contour is in Type 3 cases (%44). It is determined that the medial fat pads are located in larger areas. Also, herniation is particularly evident in the medial and mediocentral fat pads.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the lower lid morphology enables surgeons to apply safe and effective procedures. The inferior oblique muscle and arcuate expansion structures should be supported and not be damaged during surgical interventions. Surgeons should focus mainly on the anatomical data obtained, and in this sense, surgeons apply them during aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the lower eyelids.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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[Surgical excision of eyelid tumors and subsequent ophthalmoplastic reconstruction]

In recent years new modern therapeutic concepts have been developed in the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors; however, surgical restoration remains an important component of the therapeutic options addressed, which include microsurgical tumor excision into healthy tissue and subsequent coverage of the defects. An ophthalmic surgeon experienced in oculoplastic surgery is responsible for the recognition and evaluation of the existing alterations and planning a procedure together with the patient that meets the patient's expectations. The planning of surgery must always be individualized and fit the initial findings. Depending on the defect size and localization, different coverage strategies are available to the surgeon. To ensure successful reconstruction, every surgeon should master a wide range of reconstructive techniques.

Case report: Lower eyelid Reconstruction with the rotation flap pedicled by orbicularis oculi muscle

Background

Loss of eyelid tissue can be caused by trauma, congenital defects or tumors. Eyelid reconstruction is complicated and challengingly difficult because of the complex anatomy of the eyelid. Several types of surgical procedures for the reconstruction of eyelid defects are available.

Objective

To describe reconstruction of lower-eyelid defects using a rotation flap pedicled by the orbicularis oculi.

Methods

Fourteen patients (mean age = 67 years old; ages range of 53–86 years old) who suffered from tumor excision from the lower eyelid were treated by the method.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 14 (range, 12–16) months. Ectropion, abnormal eyelid position and donor-site morbidity were not observed during follow-up.

Conclusion

A rotation flap pedicled by the orbicularis oculi can be a good choice for single-stage reconstruction of lower-eyelid defects.

Surgical Strategies for Eyelid Defect Reconstruction: A Review on Principles and Techniques

Reconstruction of eyelid defects, especially the posterior lamella, remains challenging because of its anatomical complexity, functional considerations, and aesthetic concerns. The goals of eyelid reconstruction include restoring eyelid structure and function and achieving an aesthetically acceptable appearance. An in-depth understanding of the complex eyelid anatomy and several reconstructive principles are mandatory to achieve these goals. Currently, there are multiple surgical treatment options for eyelid reconstruction, including different flaps, grafts, and combinations of them. This comprehensive review outlines the principles of reconstruction and discusses the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of currently available surgical techniques. We also propose our clinical thinking for solving specific clinical questions in eyelid reconstruction and offer perspectives on new potential methodologies in the future.

Eyelid Reconstruction: An Algorithm Based on Defect Location

ABSTRACT

Eyelid reconstruction is a complex topic. This review looks at articles from 1990 to 2018 on eyelid reconstruction that had at least 10 patients and a mean 6 month follow-up. The authors present the results of our findings and propose an algorithm to guide the surgeon in choosing the best technique based on location, size, and lamella. Defects less than 1/3rd of the upper or lower eyelid may be closed primarily. Anterior and posterior lamella defects of the lower eyelid greater than 1/3rd in size should be reconstructed with a double mucosal and myocutaneous island flap. Those greater than 50% in size should be recreated with a Tripier flap for the anterior lamella and conchal chondroperichondral graft for the posterior lamella. For total lid reconstruction, a Fricke flap is best for the anterior lamella and the tarsoconjunctival free graft/lateral orbital rim periosteal flap is best for the posterior lamella. Full-thickness defects between 1/3rd and 2/3rd in size of the upper eyelid should be reconstructed with a myotarsocutaneous flap and those greater than 2/3rd should be reconstructed with a Cutler-Beard flap for the anterior lamella and auricular cartilage for the posterior lamella. For the medial canthal region, the island pedicle and horizontal cheek advancement flap is recommended for the anterior lamella and a composite upper lid graft for the posterior lamella. For the lateral canthal region, a bilobed flap is recommended for the anterior lamella and a periosteal flap for the posterior lamella.

Challenging eyelid reconstruction in malignancies: Case reports

Eye is one of the most crucial organs in need of protection. The most important function of eyelids is designed to protect the eyeball. Despite their small and thin surface area, they are among the most sunlight-exposed area of skins, hence, it is prone to develop eyelid tumors. As the malignant tumors have the tendency of growing aggressively and have a high mortality, we have to meticulously remove the lesion along with its surrounding tissue, if needed, to ensure the clearance of tumor margin. To strike a suitable outcome between the cosmetic and function after tumor removal is a quite challenging task. Compromise on aesthetics and eyelids' indispensable function of protecting the eyes during management, may lead to unfavorable cosmetic deformity and loss of vision. Therefore, it is imperative that wise selection of appropriate techniques be discussed and managed accordingly. In this article, the authors reported two case scenarios of eyelid reconstruction which was performed to show the management of full-thickness defect after removal of the malignant neoplasms. Skin flaps and graft technique used to reconstruct the eyelid in each patient was different to emphasize that eyelid malignancies require an individualized management.

Using Buccal Mucosa and Auricular Cartilage With a Local Flap for Full-Thickness Defect of Lower Eyelid

ABSTRACT

Reconstruction of full-thickness eyelid wounds is challenging. In this case, using buccal mucosa to repair the conjunctival surface of the lower eyelid defect maintain the function of the conjunctival surface, reduce the damage to the original ocular surface environment. Using autologous auricular cartilage as the skeleton of the eyelid defect, provided better support for the flap, and the site had a good esthetic appearance after surgery. Using skin flap to repair the skin surface of the lower eyelid defect, the eyelid defect can be repaired and good clinical results can be obtained.

Reconstruction Techniques of Choice for the Facial Cosmetic Units

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A broad range of skin flaps can be used to repair facial surgical defects after the excision of a tumor. The aim of our study was to develop a practical guideline covering the most useful skin grafts for each of the distinct facial cosmetic units.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a multicenter study in which 10 dermatologists with extensive experience in reconstructive surgery chose their preferred technique for each cosmetic unit. The choice of flaps was based on personal experience, taking into account factors such as suitability of the reconstruction technique for the specific defect, the final cosmetic result, surgical difficulty, and risk of complications. Each dermatologist proposed 2 flaps in order of preference for each cosmetic subunit. A score of 10 was given to the first flap and a score of 5 to the second.

RESULTS

The total score obtained for each of the options proposed by the participating dermatologists was used to draw up a list of the 3 best grafts for each site. There was notable unanimity of criteria among most of the dermatologists for reconstructive techniques such as the glabellar flap for defects of the medial canthus of the eye, the bilateral advancement flag flap or H flap for the forehead, the rotary door flap for the auricle of the ear, the Mustarde flap for the infraorbital cheek, the O-Z rotation flap for the scalp, the Tenzel flap for the lower eyelid, and the island flap for the upper lip.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will be useful as a practical guide to choosing the best reconstruction technique for each of the facial cosmetic units.

Ocular Adnexal Reconstruction for Cutaneous Periocular Malignancies

Although the majority of lesions present in the periocular region are benign, periocular cutaneous malignancies are certainly not uncommon and must be considered. The management of nonmelanoma cutaneous malignancies is predominately surgical with Mohs micrographic surgery or excision with frozen sections. The approach to reconstruction of the resulting defects depends on the defect location and size. When able, it is preferable to close lesions directly or with the recruitment of adjacent tissue in an effort to preserve the inherent anatomy. The eyelid's dynamic function is thus maintained, which is essential for optimal ocular surface protection. However, larger and more extensive defects will require complex reconstructions that are able to restore the necessary structural integrity to the eyelids. The authors review the various reconstruction approaches for defects of all sizes involving the periocular area including nonmarginal defects and defects of the lower and upper eyelids, as well as those of the medial canthal region.