Full thickness skin grafts in periocular reconstructions: long-term outcomes

Surgical Reconstruction in Malignant Eyelid Tumors

OBJECTIVE

To report the histopathological subtypes of malignant eyelid tumors treated surgically in the author's clinic and to present the author's graft and flap preferences in the reconstruction of the eyelid defect after surgical excision.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 33 patients who underwent malignant eyelid tumor excision, followed by eyelid reconstruction. A frozen section was performed during surgery to assess surgical margins in all patients. Demographic characteristics, histological classification, localization, and size of the tumor, postoperative defect size, follow-up period, complications, and recurrence rate were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the patients with a mean age of 66.6 ± 15.3 (range: 23-94), 15 (45.5%) were females and 18 (54.5%) were males. The lower eyelid was the most commonly involved site in 27 (81.8%) patients. Basal cell carcinoma was the most frequently diagnosed type of malignant cancer in 81.8% (n = 27) of the cases. Among the tumor subtypes, nodular type basal cell carcinoma was the most frequently observed subtype in 10 (30.3%) patients. Wide excision with different flap and graft techniques was performed in 26 (78.8%) patients with defect sizes of 40% or larger. In the author's study, the most preferred flap technique for anterior lamella reconstruction was the Tenzel semicircular flap (30.3% n = 10). The most frequently preferred flap for posterior lamella reconstruction was the Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap (30.3% n = 10). There were no flap or graft failures in any of the author's cases.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors, different local flap and graft techniques selected according to the size of the defect have successful anatomical results in reconstructive surgery after frozen section controlled excision.

Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Eyelid Defects Following Tumor Resection: The Bucket Handle Modification

PURPOSE

To describe a modified approach for full-thickness lower eyelid defect reconstruction.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 5 patients with large full-thickness lower eyelid defects after tumor resection requiring reconstruction. For these lower eyelid defects, a lateral-based or superior-based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap from the upper eyelid was used to rebuild the posterior lamella. In all cases, the anterior lamella was supplied from an adjacent myocutaneous flap in a bucket handle configuration. Data collection included tumor type and location, size of eyelid defect, presence of canalicular involvement, postoperative eyelid position, patient satisfaction, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Five eyelids of 5 patients underwent Mohs micrographic excision of basal cell carcinoma followed by reconstruction with a bucket handle flap. Age range was 68 to 96 years old (mean of 81 y). Five patients presented with lower eyelid involvement. The defect size ranged from 80% to 100% of the eyelid. Three patients had canalicular involvement and required bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent placement. After reconstruction, all patients showed good eyelid apposition to the globe with excellent esthetic outcome. No revision procedures were done. Average follow-up time was 13 months (range of 8 to 21 mo).

CONCLUSION

The bucket handle flap for full-thickness eyelid reconstruction is a simple technique that allows for preservation of all anatomical layers of the anterior lamella. This technique shows promising functional and esthetic outcomes.

Acellular Fish Skin Grafts for Treatment of Periocular Skin Defects

PURPOSE

To describe the outcomes of acellular fish skin grafts for repair of periocular anterior lamella skin defects after Mohs surgery for skin cancers.

METHODS

Following the institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated with acellular fish skin grafts between January 2022 and December 2023. Indication was to repair defects after Mohs excision of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Demographics, smoking and diabetes status, diagnosis, defect location, graft size, and complications were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed using the scar cosmesis assessment and rating scale.

RESULTS

Six patients (3 females and 3 males) with a mean age of 60.8 (range 44-80) had Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma (4) and squamous cell carcinoma (2). Location of defects included eyebrow (3 cases), lateral nasal wall (1 case), lower eyelid (1 case), and medial lower eyelid/nasal wall (1 case). Defect size ranged from 8 × 10 mm to 30 × 40 mm. Two patients had more than 1 application of xenograft. One patient developed a mild cicatricial ectropion. No other postoperative complications were seen, and all had good wound healing and cosmetically acceptable results.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, acellular fish skin xenografts are shown to be promising skin graft substitutes in patients with Mohs defects and decrease the need for autologous skin harvesting or allogenic skin donation.

Ophthalmic complication of pityriasis rubra pilaris

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare dermatological condition which may present with ocular manifestations. We report a case of recurrent cicatricial ectropion (CE) with topical beta-blocker use in the rare dermatological condition PRP. The patient underwent release of scar tissue, lateral tarsal strip and full-thickness supraclavicular skin graft for CE following immunosuppression with methotrexate for 3 months. Postoperatively, CE recurred, with skin graft shrinkage and resumption of periocular disease activity, 8 weeks following the introduction of topical timolol. The patient was referred for further immunosuppression and substitution of timolol before consideration for further surgery. PRP has a variety of potential ocular complications. Surgery has a high risk of recurrence and should be performed when the overall disease is quiescent and drugs, which could trigger reactivation, have been discontinued and/or substituted. Skin grafts should be oversized to off-set shrinkage.

Post-oncological full-thickness eyelid defect reconstruction: An aesthetical overview

Purpose of the current study was to introduce a new detailed aesthetical subunit (ASU) involvement chart to localize the defect configuration on the eyelids, and, to evaluate the aesthetical and functional outcomes of the post-oncological full-thickness eyelid defect reconstruction surgery by using a modified aesthetical rating guideline. Medical records of subjects who were diagnosed with a primary malignant full thickness eyelid tumor involving the eyelid margin and underwent full-thickness eyelid defect reconstruction surgery between April 2016 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, pathological diagnosis, follow-up time, the ASU of the eyelid involvement, and surgical methods used to reconstruct the anterior and posterior lamella were examined from medical records. The reconstructed eyelid photos were scored according to the modified aesthetical rating guideline to analyze the aesthetical and functional outcomes of the surgeries. A total of 31 subjects were included to the study, and the overall mean aesthetical score was 3.5. Seventeen subjects with aesthetical scores greater than 3.5 were included in the more aesthetically pleasing (AP) group, and 14 subjects with aesthetical score less than 3.5 were included in less AP group. Anterior lamella repair was mainly performed using myo-cutaneous flaps in the more AP group and multiple flap combinations in the less AP group (P: 0.13). Posterior lamella reconstruction was performed using tarso-conjunctival tissue in both groups. In more AP group, tissue scarring, lash line disruption, eyelid thickness, and retraction or ectropion scores were significantly higher when compared with less AP group (P:0.03, P:0.03, P:0.02, and P:0.01, respectively). Subjects with fair eyelash color were significantly more common in more AP group (P: 0.009). The ASU involvement chart and outcomes of the current study may aid novice surgeons to determine which method will provide the best result for an individual patient for full-thickness eyelid defect repair and may offer some insight into the different surgical techniques used for repairing similar wounds.

State of the Evidence for Facial Skin Cancer Reconstruction

This review provides a comprehensive presentation of the evidence available in facial reconstruction post-Mohs micrographic surgery. Given the large diversity in post-Mohs reconstruction, there are limited guidelines in the management of defects. The aim of the present work is to provide a review of the best evidence as it pertains to several considerations in facial reconstruction. Data suggests that Mohs micrographic surgery and many reconstructive procedures can be performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia, with narcotic pain medication only given in certain patient populations following a minority of reconstructive procedures. Perioperative and topical antibiotics are generally not indicated. Aspirin and warfarin can generally be continued for most reconstructive procedures, but clopidogrel and novel anticoagulants may predispose to increased bleeding complications. Delayed reconstruction appears to be safe, although data are discordant on this topic. No specific wound closure technique or suture choice appears to be consistently superior. Given the lack of robust comparative studies, consistent methodology, and variable defect sizes/locations, no robust evidence-based guidelines can be generated for reconstruction techniques of facial subsites.

Medial Canthal Reconstruction - Scar Restricting Vision in Only Seeing Eye of a 75-year-old Female

Scarring is a common post-injury outcome that can precipitate functional impairment. We present the case of a 75-year-old female who presented with diminished upper eyelid excursion in her right (only seeing) eye due to scarring associated with a facial laceration. She had a history of right eye corneal transplantation and necessitated urgent excision of the scar to release upper eyelid motion. The scar was excised, and a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) was used, harvested from the skin of the right supraclavicular neck. Post-operative recovery was excellent, and the patient was relieved of restriction of her right upper eyelid opening.

Absorbable Suture Anchor Technique: A Method for Postblepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Ectropion Treatment

ABSTRACT

Postblepharoplasty ectropion is a very complex problem to deal with because its relevance is far to be only a functional complaint. Therefore, the best surgical approach requires both aesthetic and functional consideration. Here, we introduce the absorbable suture anchor technique, which can meet both needs, and its surgical procedure is simple and effective and has excellent stability for long-term results. This series included only ectropion patients caused by lower eyelid blepharoplasty, with or without receiving revision surgery. Forty-seven cases (64 eyes) were treated by a single surgeon through this method. Forty-six patients (97.9%) displayed adequate correction of the eyelid ectropion and a marked degree of improvement both in aesthetic terms and with regard to the functional disorders reported. One patient (2.1%) presented complications but brought under control after drainage and dressing change. His previous symptoms were also largely relieved. Absorbable suture anchor technique is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe method to correct postblepharoplasty ectropion.

Evaluation of Bicanalicular Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation as an Adjunct in Surgical Ectropion Correction

Background and Objectives: We aimed to analyze and compare the outcomes of conventional ectropion surgery procedures with and without concurrent bicanalicular nasolacrimal duct intubation to identify if the combination of procedures could serve as a novel surgical approach to treat lower eyelid ectropion. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical correction for lower eyelid ectropion at the Cantonal Hospital of Aarau between January 2019 and December 2020 was performed. Patient medical records were examined for etiology, surgical correction technique and intra- and postoperative complications. The postoperative punctal position, the pre- and postoperative epiphora and reoperation rate were also documented. Two study groups consisting of cases with isolated and combined procedures were compared, with respect to postoperative punctual and lower lid position. Results: A total of 53 lower eyelids (35 patients) were included in this study. Six months postoperatively, the correct punctum position (p = 0.1188) and improvement of epiphora (p = 0.7739) did not significantly differ between the two groups. More complications were seen in the nasolacrimal duct intubation group (p = 0.0041), which consisted of cheese wiring and one tube dislocation. Conclusion: In our study, bicanalicular nasolacrimal intubation during ectropion surgery does not seem to improve the outcome of ectropion surgery and is, therefore, not recommended on a routine basis.

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.

Upper eyelid reconstruction using an advancement tarso-conjunctival flap

PURPOSE AND CONTEXT

Upper eyelid reconstruction is particularly complex due to its functional and aesthetic importance. We aim to assess the outcomes/ complications of patients who undergo upper eyelid reconstruction of the posterior lamellae with an advancing tarsonconjunctival flap from the same affected eyelid, following excision of a periocular malignancy by Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

METHOD

A retrospective consecutive case note review of all eight patients who underwent the procedure between May 2016 and Jan 2021 were included. Patient demographics and factors influencing outcomes (smoking status, use of blood thinners, past medical/ drug history, size/location of the defect), follow up duration and complications were recorded.

KEY RESULTS

Minor post-operative complications included an eyelid notch and retraction. There was one patient with lagophthalmos, but no exposure keratopathy. Two patients had misdirected lashes, one requiring electrolysis. Both monocular patients, who required the procedure in their only seeing eye, and were unable to tolerate a compressive dressing, had wound dehiscence. One patient was on steroids and the other on warfarin and a diabetic. No vision loss ensued and no-one underwent surgical revision. Follow up ranged from 4-52 months.

CONCLUSIONS

An advancing tarso-conjunctival flap is an expedient single-stage reconstructive technique that can be used to reform up to two- thirds of the posterior lamellae in full thickness upper eyelid defects involving the lid margin. Complications are minor. It is of particular benefit in patients where occlusion of the visual axis is unacceptable, although the risk of wound dehiscence is high. This technique forms a valuable part of the systematic reconstructive algorithm.

Double Frost Suture Technique for Simultaneous Skin Grafting of the Upper and Lower Eyelids

The double Frost suture is a useful supplement to the reconstruction of ipsilateral upper and lower eyelid defects with full-thickness skin grafts. This technique involves silk traction sutures that overlap the upper and lower eyelids to place them on maximal stretch after placement of 2 full-thickness skin grafts. It has the added benefit of protecting the cornea and compressing both grafts under 1 bolster. The authors illustrate this technique in 2 pediatric cases-a congenital melanocytic kissing eyelid nevus and a periocular burn. Each case resulted in large upper and lower anterior lamellar defects, which were reconstructed with supraclavicular and retroauricular free skin grafts. The double Frost sutures counter vertical cicatricial forces during graft healing, obviating the need for staged procedures. Both described cases resulted in excellent graft survival with minimal contracture.

Porcine Urinary Bladder Extracellular Matrix for Treatment of Periocular Skin Defects

PURPOSE

To describe the experience of 4 oculoplastic surgeons with porcine bladder matrix for periocular anterior lamella and donor site skin defects either as stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other reconstructive procedures. The authors hypothesized that defect size and location influence the requirement for additional matrix treatments or ancillary procedures.

METHODS

Following the Institutional Review Board approval, the authors conducted a retrospective review of 17 patients treated with porcine bladder matrix at 2 oculoplastic practices between 2016 and 2018. Powdered matrix was applied to the skin defect and overlaid with a matrix sheet. Subsequent rounds of matrix treatment or other reconstructive procedures were performed as necessary. Defect size and location were correlated to the number of ancillary matrix treatments or surgical procedures via univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-five sites (21 primary and 4 donor) in 17 individuals (8-95 years, M = 58.8 years, 10 males) were treated with porcine bladder matrix. All wounds healed successfully. Additional matrix treatments were administered at 5 sites. Ancillary procedures were performed for 7 sites. Upper lid involvement and larger defect size tended to require additional ancillary procedures (p = 0.006), while lower eyelid and other periocular defects required fewer procedures (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Porcine bladder matrices are useful adjuncts to healing periocular anterior lamella defects in various settings. Such repairs are useful in nonsurgical candidates, but must take into account varying levels of complexity based on lesion location. Smaller defects are more conducive to application of matrices as stand-alone treatment, while larger or upper eyelid defects often require additional procedures.

Usefulness of full-thickness skin grafting from the infraclavicular area for facial reconstruction

Background

Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) have been widely used after facial skin cancer resection, for correcting defects that are too wide to be reconstructed using a local flap or if structural deformation is expected. The preauricular, posterior auricular, supraclavicular, conchal bowl, nasolabial fold, and upper eyelid skin areas are known as the main donor sites for facial FTSG. Herein, we aimed to describe the effectiveness of using infraclavicular skin as the donor site for specific cases.

Methods

We performed FTSG using the infraclavicular skin as the donor site in older Asian adults following skin cancer resection. Outcomes were observed for > 6 months postoperatively. The Manchester Scar Scale was used for an objective evaluation of satisfaction following surgery and scarring.

Results

We analyzed the data of 17 patients. During follow-up, the donor and recipient sites of all patients healed without complications. Upon evaluation, the average Manchester Scar Scale scores for the recipient and donor sites were 7.4 points and 5.7 points, respectively.

Conclusion

In general, conventional donor sites, such as the preauricular, posterior auricular, and supraclavicular sites, are widely used for facial FTSG because they achieve good cosmetic results. However, the infraclavicular skin may be a useful donor for facial FTSG in cases where the duration of time spent under anesthesia must be minimized due to a patient’s advanced age or underlying health conditions, or when the recipient site is relatively thick area, such as the nose, forehead, or cheek.

Early cicatricial lagophthalmos release with pentagonal wedge resection of the scar, fat redistribution, and full-thickness skin grafting

The specialized structure of the upper eyelid ensures complete closure of the eye and eyeball sealing. An upper eyelid injury can cause various symptoms associated with eyeball trauma, not just scar formation or eyelid deformity. In this report, we describe a case of lagophthalmos observed after wound repair in a patient with a crushing injury caused by a grinder. Several surgical techniques are used to treat lagophthalmos or scar contracture. In most cases, a releasing procedure is performed after 6 months of initial repair. However, if the patient has severe symptoms that are not relieved by conservative care, early revision is inevitable. We describe a case of early lagophthalmos successfully resolved with pentagonal wedge resection, fat redistribution, and full-thickness skin grafting. After the revisional surgery, we observed that the patient regained the ability to completely close the injured eyelid, with restoration of function and favorable cosmetic outcomes. Pentagonal wedge resection to release a retracted structure, fat redistribution to prevent readhesion, and full-thickness skin grafting for enough amount of skin to regain upper eyelid function is useful for scar release and lagophthalmos following crushing injuries of the upper eyelid.

Eyelid Reconstruction

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

The goals of eyelid reconstruction are to provide adequate globe coverage, proper closing mechanics, preservation of tear film integrity, maintenance of an unobstructed visual field, and to recreate an aesthetically appealing eye. There are several requirements for an eyelid reconstruction to be considered “aesthetic.” Both lids have to be in proper position, with normal palpebral fissure width and height. The eyelid margin should be distinct from the preseptal segment. Tissues must be thin to blend seamlessly with local skin. Finally, the canthal angles must be sharp and crisp. In this paper, we provide a practical guide to simplify eyelid reconstruction. This is not an exhaustive review of all available reconstructive techniques; instead, this is a description of the techniques we have found effective that together can address many eyelid defects.

Lower Eyelid Reconstruction: A New Classification Incorporating the Vertical Dimension

BACKGROUND

Lower eyelid defects are traditionally classified based on depth and 25 percent increments in defect width. The authors propose a new classification system that includes the vertical defect component to predict functional and aesthetic outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent lower lid reconstruction performed by a single surgeon was performed. Defects were classified into four categories based on the vertical component: (1) pretarsal; (2) preseptal; (3) eyelid-cheek junction; and (4) complex pretarsal/preseptal. Preoperative and postoperative central and lateral marginal reflex distance-2 values were obtained. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by three blinded reviewers. Outcomes were compared using one-way analysis of variance and analysis of covariance with Bonferroni corrected post hoc comparisons to control for defect area and width.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients underwent reconstruction of lower eyelid defects. There were 12 pretarsal defects (type I), nine preseptal defects (type II), nine eyelid-cheek defects (type III), and four complex pretarsal/preseptal defects (type IV). Postoperative retraction was highest in the complex pretarsal/preseptal group at 75 percent, with a significantly greater change from preoperative to postoperative central and lateral marginal reflex distance-2 compared with the other groups (p < 0.01) and worse postoperative mean aesthetic scores (p < 0.001). Type IV patients had significantly more revision operations (mean, 5.5) compared with the other groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The vertical dimension of lower eyelid defects is an important variable. A new classification system is proposed that supplements width-based methods for improved surgical planning and prediction of postoperative outcomes in lower eyelid reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEEVL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Efficacy of lateral eyelid-block excision with canthoplasty and full-thickness skin grafting in lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion

Purpose

To report on the outcomes of our preferred surgical technique for the correction of lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional analysis of a consecutive case series of patients with cicatricial lower lid ectropion treated with adhesiolysis, lateral eyelid‐block excision with canthoplasty and full‐thickness skin grafting. Donor sites included the ipsi‐ or contralateral upper eyelid and pre‐ or retroauricular skin. All patients were treated by one of our oculoplastic surgeons in the period from January 2005 to January 2017 in the Rotterdam Eye Hospital/Focus Clinic Rotterdam. We assessed postoperative lower eyelid apposition, the occurrence of intra‐ and postoperative complications and the reoperation rate.

Results

We included 38 eyelids of 32 patients, of whom 17 were male and 15 were female. The minimal postoperative follow‐up was 3 months. A total of 27 of 38 eyelids showed good postoperative apposition. Skin graft donor sites were the ipsi‐ or contralateral upper eyelid (47% and 16%, respectively) and the pre‐ or retroauricular skin (26% and 11%, respectively). No intraoperative complications occurred, but one patient developed a transient allergic contact dermatitis in the early postoperative phase. Two of 38 eyelids (two of 32 patients) required another surgical intervention (block excision) for residual or recurrent ectropion, with favourable outcomes. There was 100% viability of the skin grafts.

Conclusion

Repair of lower eyelid ectropion with lateral block excision, canthoplasty and full‐thickness skin grafting is an effective procedure with minimal donor site morbidity, excellent graft survival rates and a low reoperation rate.

Salvaging the dehisced glans penis

OBJECTIVE

The glans penis may show a deep groove (surgically favorable), or may appear flat with an absent sulcus (unfavorable). Glans dehiscence following hypospadias repair, especially after multiple surgeries, frequently results in a scarred, obliterated, or absent urethral plate. The glans penis appears to be flat and grooveless. This study reported on the outcome of a two-stage salvage repair for glans dehiscence in 49 consecutive patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent repair for glans dehiscence following hypospadias repair.

RESULTS

Between January 2009 and April 2015, 49 children aged 16 months to 18 years presented with glans dehiscence following hypospadias repair. The prior number of operations ranged from one to six. Eleven children had urethral fistulas, and seven had chordee. In the first stage, the flat glans was incised deeply to visualize, but spare, the corpora. Thereafter, a free graft of oral mucosa harvested either from the lower lip or cheek, or the residual preputial skin, was sutured to the glans cleft. The grafts were fenestrated, quilted in the midline, and a tie-over dressing was applied. Any fistula or chordee was repaired during the first stage. The neo-plate was tubularized 6-12 months later, and urine drainage with a catheter was maintained for 10-14 days. In 11 patients, skin flaps appeared dusky, and nitroglycerine ointment 2% was applied for 24 h to enhance the blood supply of the tissues. Subsequently, six of these children received nine or ten 90-min hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. Following the first stage, two patients developed hypertrophy of the mucosal grafts, and one skin graft contracted. These three patients underwent revision using a second buccal mucosal graft harvested from the cheek. One recurrent fistula was closed during the second stage. Following the second stage two patients developed a urethral fistula, and the distal sutures broke down in one patient, resulting in an over-sized meatus. None developed meatal stenosis or glans dehiscence.

CONCLUSION

Graft initial take and subsequent behavior were unpredictable, but the two stage approach optimized the process of take and healing. Glans dehiscence was repaired safely and successfully by developing a deep groove, with creation of a new urethral plate followed by tubularization in two stages.

Case report of Wolfe grafting for the management of bilateral cicatricial eyelid ectropion following severe burn injuries

Introduction

Eye lid reconstruction followed by severe, extensive body and facial burns represents a surgical challenge due to difficulties to obtain proper, healthy skin graft, tissue ischemia and necrosis.

Presentation of case

We present a reconstructive lid surgery of cicatricial bilateral lower eyelid ectropion in a case of 31-year-old man who sustained thermal injuries, affecting more than 60% of total body surface area, causing severe, deep dermal burns. Reconstruction was made using the technique of skin cantus-to-cantus incision, contracture release, orbicularis liberation and lid elevation; and oversizing free full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) (Wolfe technique) from the left inguinal region, as the only healthy skin on the entire body surface. Residual lower left lid laxity was addressed by pentagonal wedge resection, not interrupting marginal arcade vessels, thus minimizing ischemia.

Discussion

Method of choice of the graft type has been much debated question; however, significantly less reoccurrence rate of ectropion was observed using FTSG. Time of grafting should be balanced to avoid excess granulation and, thus scaring caused by delayed grafting time, or poor graft adherence caused by premature grafting. An interruption of the marginal arcade vessels should not be performed due to already severe ischemic process and increased risk for lid necrosis.

Conclusion

Major issues when addressing cicatricial ectropion followed by severe burns are: right donor site selection, appropriate graft thickness with the least possible disturbance of the affected place vascularisation, followed by immediate grafting after debridement of scaring and unhealthy tissue, with generous preservation of the orbicularis muscle.

Excision of nodular basal cell carcinoma involving the lower eyelid tarsal skin using a grey line-splitting, posterior lamella-sparing technique

Purpose: To describe a posterior lamella-sparing technique to resect nodular basal cell carcinoma involving the inferior part of the tarsal skin of the lower eyelid. Surgical Technique: Excision of nodular basal cell carcinoma of the tarsal skin using a grey-line-splitting technique with preservation of the posterior lamella. Specimen was sent for frozen section control. Additional excision was performed in caseof irradicality. The defect was closed with a free skin graft from the ipsi- or contralateral upper eyelid. Results: We show a case series of three patients with lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma and investigated radicality on histology, aesthetic outcome and clinical recurrence during a follow-up of 18 months. Pre, intra, and postoperative photographs were obtained. In all cases radicality was reached. In all patients, the skin graft was viable, with no recurrence after 18 months. Excellent aesthetic results were obtained. Conclusion: Anterior lamellar resection of nodular basal cell carcinomas involving the tarsal lower eyelid skin using a grey line lid-splitting technique is a simple and one-step technique with good clinical outcome. It may avoid the morbidity associated with full thickness eyelid resection and might be useful for other, nonmalignant eyelid lesions.

Medial canthal defects following tumour excision: To reconstruct or not to reconstruct?

Laissez-faire following excision of peri-ocular tumours has been described, but is not universally well established. We describe our experience with laissez-faire for managing medial canthal defects following tumour excision and compare our outcomes with full thickness skin grafts. Retrospective comparative case series of 68 patients who underwent reconstruction of a medial canthal defect using laissez-faire with sutured Sorbsan (LFS) (n = 36) or a full thickness skin graft (FTSG) (n = 32) at the same centre. Tumour diagnosis, defect size, time taken to epithelialise, functional and cosmetic outcomes, complications, follow-up duration and any secondary interventions were recorded. Basal call carcinoma was the most common neoplasm excised (63/68, 93%). Defect size ranged from 7 × 5 mm to 25 × 10 mm. Mean time for wound epithelialisation in LFS group was 33 days. Mean duration of follow-up was 32 months (range 1-80 months) for LFS and 30 months (range 6-60 months) for FTSG. Good functional and cosmetic outcomes were achieved in all 68 patients. Review of clinical photographs showed epicanthic fold in 2 patients and visible scar in 1 patient in the LFS group and 3 cases of hypopigmented scar and 7 hypertrophic scars in the FTSG group. No cases required secondary intervention. There were no cases of postoperative infection. LFS in the medial canthal region is less likely to lead to hypertrophic scarring or cicatricial sequelae compared to FTSG (p = 0.02). Both techniques are associated with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes even for larger defects.

Eyelid Reconstruction with Full Thickness Skin Grafts After Carcinoma Excision

BACKGROUND

Various techniques have been proposed for reconstruction of the eyelid anterior lamella after carcinoma excision: among these are the transposition of skin flaps, and full-thickness skin grafts or combination of these two.

AIM

To present our experience in eyelid reconstruction with full-thickness skin grafts and to assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present retrospective study included 39 patients (20 males, 19 females, mean age 71 yrs) with surgically excised eyelid carcinoma, followed by reconstruction using full-thickness skin grafts. The patients were treated between 2005 and 2014. Parameters recorded were patient demographics, histological classification of malignancy, tumor localization and size, postoperative defect size. In cases of large full-thickness lower lid defect Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap was used for reconstruction of posterior lamella. Full-thickness skin grafts donor sites included upper eyelid, preauricular area and inner brachial area. We appraised the grafts viability one week after surgery and the aesthetic results - 6 months after surgery by the graft colour and lid position.

RESULTS

In 95% of the cases the skin grafts were viable. The full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) failed in two patients because of subcutaneous haematoma. There were a few early postoperative complications including graft hypertrophy, graft contraction, and partial graft failure, which were managed without additional surgery. All 39 patients had normal postoperative lid function. All 39 had either good (14) or excellent (25) cosmetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that full-thickness skin graft is a good choice in periocular reconstructive surgery after carcinoma excision. The surgical technique is easy to perform producing proper functional and aesthetic results.

Reconstructive surgery of post-burn cicatricial ectropion of upper and lower eyelid

In the article, an outcome analysis of post-burn upper and lower eyelid ectropion repair in 27 patients (49 cases) is presented. The study group included 31 cases (15 males, 2 females, aged 16-67), the control group consisted of 18 cases (5 males, 5 females, aged 2-52). Patients from the control group underwent free skin grafting of upper and lower eyelids. Patients from the study group underwent combined surgery using two different types of Alloplant biomaterial: allogenous tendon fibres and transplant for eyelid plasty. The operation results were assessed by change in ectropion grade, lagophthalmos and interpalpebral width.

Orbital Adherence Syndrome following the Use of Titanium Precontoured Orbital Mesh for the Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Orbital Floor Defects

Orbital blowout fractures are a common occurrence following orbital trauma. Depending on the size of the defect and the contents that have herniated or incarcerated, possible sequelae include enophthalmos, diplopia, dystopia, and entrapment. Surgical intervention aims to prevent or alleviate this through the use of a bone graft or an alloplastic implant to reconstitute the continuity of the orbit. However, in doing so, the implant itself may result in the unexpected adherence of the periorbita, resulting in orbital adherence syndrome. We present two cases of orbital adherence syndrome following the use of titanium mesh for orbital floor reconstruction. In both cases, we also delineate the management of this syndrome. Our first patient reported good recovery after surgical intervention to relieve the tethering to the titanium mesh and subsequent placement of a smooth interface implant. The other patient was managed nonsurgically with resolution of symptoms. We highlight possible signs that might suggest the need for early surgical intervention. Orbital adherence syndrome is a poorly described and understood phenomenon and appears to occur after the use of large-pored titanium mesh for orbital reconstruction. Prevention is possible through careful patient selection and the placement of a smooth interface medium in the initial surgery.

Upper Eyelid Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the upper eyelid is complicated because the eyelid must retain mobility, flexibility, function, and a suitable mucosal surface over the delicate cornea. Defects of the upper eyelid may be due to congenital defects or traumatic injury or follow oncologic resection. This article focuses on reconstruction due to loss of tissue. Multiple surgeries may be needed to reach the desired results, addressing loss of tissue and then loss of function. Each defect is unique and the laxity and availability of surrounding tissue vary. Knowing the most common techniques for repair assists surgeons in the multifaceted planning that takes place.