A prospective randomized study comparing division of the pedicle of modified hughes flaps at two or four weeks

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.

Perfusion Monitoring During Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgery: A Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE

Knowledge of how blood perfusion is affected during and after reconstructive surgery is of great importance to predict the survival of grafts and flaps. When commonly used reconstructive procedures were developed a century ago, they were based on empirical observations of clinical outcome.

METHODS

This is a comprehensive literature review that summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding microvascular perfusion monitoring during oculoplastic procedures.

RESULTS

Over the years, a number of techniques for perfusion monitoring have been developed as an attempt to be more objective than clinical examination using traditional methods such as observations of skin temperature, turgor, color, smell, and capillary refill time. There are limited publications regarding microvascular perfusion monitoring during reconstructive procedures in the periocular area. Modern laser-based techniques have been attractive due to their noninvasive nature.

CONCLUSIONS

Today, modern, noninvasive techniques are available to monitor perfusion during and after surgery. This has increased our knowledge on the perfusion in common oculoplastic surgery procedures. A detailed understanding of how blood perfusion is affected will hopefully allow the improvement of surgical techniques for better clinical outcome.

Efficacy and Safety of Cryotherapy for Residual Tarsus and Free Tarsal Graft Implantation After Excision of Malignant Eyelid Tumor

PURPOSE

To examine the usefulness and safety of cryotherapy for residual tarsus and free tarsal graft implantation for eyelid reconstruction after excision of malignant eyelid tumor.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with 17 eyelid malignancies (10 sebaceous gland carcinomas and 7 basal cell carcinomas) who underwent eyelid reconstruction between June 2017 and February 2021 were included in the study. In these patients, the tumors were resected in the entire eyelid layer including the safety margin. Only sebaceous gland carcinomas patients underwent cryotherapy at the residual tarsus margin. Then, a free tarsal graft taken from the ipsilateral or contralateral upper eyelid was transplanted into the eyelid plate defect, and anterior lamella reconstruction was performed with an orbicularis oculi myocutaneous advance flap.

RESULTS

In both the non-cryotherapy and cryotherapy groups, there were no serious complications such as dropout or necrosis of the free tarsal graft. There were no differences in the occurrence of complications such as eyelid retraction or trichiasis between the 2 groups, but 1 patient who underwent cryotherapy required revision surgery to correct eyelid retraction. In addition, there were no complications on the donor side associated with free tarsal graft collection.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a free tarsal graft in the reconstruction of eyelid malignancies is relatively effective and safe, and if vascular support of the anterior lamella is obtained, cryotherapy is less likely to affect the viability of the free tarsal graft and may contribute to a decrease in local recurrence.

Subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for reconstructing the large eyelid defect due to excision of malignancies or trauma

Large eyelid defect after excision of malignancies or trauma is difficult to reconstruct due to special structure and function of the eyelid. In this study, we aimed to present the outcomes of subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for reconstructing the large eyelid defect after excision of malignancies or trauma. A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with eyelid defect due to excision of malignancies or trauma, and undergoing subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for reconstructing the large eyelid defect, was conducted at our hospital. The clinical data were collected and analyzed. A total of 15 patients were included in the cases series. Nine patients were diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, 3 patients with epidermoid carcinoma, and 3 patients with trauma. All the defects were successfully covered with this designed flap. There was no flap necrosis in all the cases. No functional problems were observed in all of the cases. At long-term postoperative follow-up, the average score of patients’ satisfaction was good. This subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap is a feasible alternative technique for reconstructing the large eyelid defect after excision of malignancies or trauma. This flap option could avoid the use of free flaps for large defect.

The Köllner Tarsoconjunctival Flap for Lower Eyelid Reconstruction: Historical Perspective and Surgical Outcomes of 140 Cases

PURPOSE

While Wendell Hughes popularized the tarsoconjunctival flap for lower eyelid reconstruction, most modern procedures are derived from the technique described by Köllner in 1911. This study reviews the history, techniques, and outcomes of a large series of patients treated with a modified Köllner flap.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, medical records and photographs were reviewed in patients undergoing surgery between 2005 and 2020. Patient demographics, complications, secondary interventions, and outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Marginal defect size ranged from 12 to 41 mm among the 140 study patients. Ancillary procedures included lower eyelid conjunctival flaps (n = 64) and septal orbicularis flaps (n = 68). The anterior lamella was reconstructed with skin grafts (n = 86), flaps (n = 10), or combined flaps/grafts (n = 44). Pedicle division was performed 23 to 84 days after primary repair. Subsequent interventions included steroid injection (n = 10), cryotherapy (n = 10), marginal erythema treatment (n = 9), and upper eyelid retraction repair (n = 6). Tearing (6.5%) and dryness (10%) were the most common postoperative symptoms, with most patients (78.6%) being asymptomatic. A good-excellent functional outcome was achieved in 94.3% and cosmetic outcome in 85.0% of cases. Defects <30 mm in width (P = 0.0001), defects not involving a canthus (P = 0.0158), and upper eyelid skin graft donor sites (P = 0.0001) were associated with better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Köllner tarsoconjunctival flap is an effective technique to repair moderate-large lower eyelid defects, with the majority of patients achieving good-excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes. Factors associated with a poorer result include marginal eyelid defects ≥30 mm in width, defects involving a canthus, and non-upper eyelid skin graft donor sites. Most patients are asymptomatic after surgery.

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of a Rotational Full-Thickness Lower Eyelid Flap Shows Satisfactory Blood Perfusion

Full-thickness eyelid flaps from the lower eyelid are frequently used to repair larger upper eyelid defects. Perfusion monitoring has recently been implemented in several reconstructive surgical procedures, however, perfusion monitoring of a rotational eyelid flap has not yet been described. The authors' employed laser speckle contrast imaging to monitor blood perfusion in a rotational flap from the lower eyelid, used to cover a large tumor defect in the upper eyelid. Perfusion in the flap decreased by only 50% during surgery and was almost completely restored 5 weeks later at flap division (91%). The excellent surgical outcome in the present case is deemed to be the result of satisfactory blood perfusion of the flap.

Successful Free Bilamellar Eyelid Grafts for the Repair of Upper and Lower Eyelid Defects in Patients and Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of Revascularization

PURPOSE

It is generally believed that large eyelid defects must be repaired using a vascularized flap for 1 lamella, while the other can be a free graft. Recent studies indicate that the pedicle of a tarsoconjunctival flap does not contribute to blood perfusion. The purpose of this study was to explore whether large eyelid defects can be repaired using a free bilamellar eyelid autograft alone.

METHODS

Ten large upper and lower eyelid defects resulting from tumor excision were reconstructed using bilamellar grafts harvested from the contralateral or opposing eyelid. Revascularization of the flap was monitored during healing using laser speckle contrast imaging, and the surgical outcome was assessed.

RESULTS

The functional and cosmetic results were excellent. All grafts survived and there was no tissue necrosis. Only 1 patient underwent revision after 4 days as the sutures came loose. Two patients developed minimal ectropion but needed no reoperation. All patients were satisfied with the surgical results. Perfusion monitoring showed that the grafts were gradually revascularized, exhibiting 50% perfusion after 4 weeks and 90% perfusion after 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

A free bilamellar eyelid graft appears to be an excellent alternative to the tarsoconjunctival flap procedure in the reconstruction of both upper and lower eyelid defects, especially in patients who cannot tolerate visual axis occlusion or the 2-stage procedure of the conventional staged flap procedure.

Bilateral Craniofacial Cleft (Tessier Type 4): Case Report and Oculoplastic Reconstruction

Bilateral Tessier type 4 craniofacial clefts are extremely rare and disfiguring malformations with vision-threatening ramifications. To date, there is no consensus in the literature with respect to the ideal surgical technique and management of these patients. Emergent eyelid reconstruction and additional procedures may be required to protect the cornea and avoid further ophthalmic and surgical complications. We present our experience and challenges of managing a case of bilateral Tessier type 4 clefting with an emphasis on oculoplastic considerations.

Free Tarsal Graft and Free Skin Graft for Lower Eyelid Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To determine whether reconstruction of lower eyelid defects involving the eyelid margin with a free tarsal graft and an overlying free skin graft, without retention or provision of any vascular support, would yield acceptable functional and cosmetic results.

METHODS

We present here a clinical series of 4 patients treated between April 2019 and September 2019 who underwent reconstruction of large postcarcinoma excision, eyelid-margin-inclusive eyelid defects. Surgery was performed by the same surgeon (J.G.B.) at the Westchester Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Dobbs Ferry Hospital in New York. Without retaining a conjunctival pedicle (modified Hughes procedure), and without a myocutaneous or other vascularized flap, the lower eyelids were reconstructed with a free tarsal graft and a separate overlying free skin graft. The primary outcomes measured were eyelid apposition to the globe, margin reflex distance 2 at least 6 months postoperatively, ocular surface integrity, and patient comfort and patient satisfaction with the procedure.

RESULTS

The patients included in the clinical series ranged in age from 73 to 82, 3 were men and 1 women. Each had recent Moh's excision of carcinoma (3 basal; 1 squamous) resulting in large tissue defects of the lower eyelids. All carcinomas were T1N0M0. The mean postoperative margin reflex distance 2 of the reconstructed eyelids was 5.5 mm, range 5-7.5 mm. Two of the 4 patients underwent a secondary revision within 2-3 weeks following initial reconstruction for lateral ectropion or dehiscence. All eyelids were well-opposed to the globes after revision (except for the nasal eyelid in patient number 2 who had a preexisting ectropion from prior carcinoma excision in the same eyelid). Functional and esthetic results were on par with those of the modified Hughes procedure. All 4 patients were pleased that they had chosen to undergo the procedure being discussed.

CONCLUSION

In this clinical series of 4 patients, reconstruction of lower eyelid defects with a free tarsal graft and overlying free skin graft resulted in an acceptable functional and esthetic lower eyelid suggesting that retention of or provision of vascular support in either the anterior or posterior lamella may not be necessary.

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.

Eyelid reconstruction using the "Hughes" tarsoconjunctival advancement flap: Long-term outcomes in 122 consecutive cases over a 13-year period

This article evaluates the complications and long term functional and cosmetic outcomes of tarsoconjunctival advancement flaps for repairing a range of lower eyelid defects in a large cohort of consecutive cases. A retrospective series of 122 consecutive cases of eyelid reconstruction using tarsoconjunctival-advancement flaps was conducted at Waikato Hospital, or Hamilton Eye Clinic, New Zealand. All cases of lid reconstruction using tarsoconjunctival-advancement flaps between January 1, 2001 until April 3, 2014 were included for analysis. All patients provided written consent for surgery and the study complied with New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were collected on patient demographics, lesion histology, defect size, adjuvant surgical procedures required for reconstruction, surgical and postoperative complications, cosmesis and patient satisfaction. Patients requiring lower eyelid reconstruction were predominantly male (56%) and basal cell carcinoma was the most common pathology (>80%). Male gender was associated with larger tarsoconjunctival-advancement-flap width (P-value = 0.0432), larger maximum flap width (20 vs 15 mm), and required on average more adjuvant procedures for reconstruction (1.80 vs 1.48, P-value = 0.02). Mean duration to flap division was 37 days and decreased over the duration of the study. Complicated cases were associated with shorter duration to flap division. Mean follow-up was 7 months, complications were observed in 14% with revision required in 4%. Tarsoconjunctival flap reconstruction of the lower lid is suitable for a range of defect sizes and produces excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. Complications are relatively infrequent and may be associated in some cases with decreased duration to flap division.

Longevity results of modified Hughes procedure in reconstructing large lower eyelid defects

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longevity results of modified Hughes procedure in reconstructing large lower eyelid defects.

BACKGROUND

The modified Hughes procedure was used to reconstruct large full-thickness lower eyelid defects. Meanwhile, the functional results indicated that ocular surface health in the treated eyes may be affected.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Noncomparative, case series retrospective study was designed after obtaining the approval of the institutional review board at the Ophthalmology Department, Menoufia University, Egypt, where the results of cases who underwent surgery with the modified Hughes procedure during a 7-year interval were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (seven males and four females) in the age range 59-77 years (mean age 67±5 years) were identified. The follow-up ranged from 12 months to 48 months. Cosmetic, functional, and postoperative results were analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Despite the favorable cosmetic results of the Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap, the procedure has its own limitations. The results indicated that it does affect the functions and tear film stability in the treated eyes.

Modified Hughes procedure for reconstruction of large full-thickness lower eyelid defects following tumor resection

Background

Tarsoconjunctival flap advancement, or the Hughes procedure, is among the techniques of choice for reconstructing full-thickness lower eyelid defects so as to restore normal anatomy and function with the best possible cosmetic outcome. The purpose of this study is to report the outcome of a series of patients treated with a modified Hughes procedure following malignant tumor removal.

Methods

This retrospective study included 45 consecutive cases of modified Hughes procedures performed between January 2013 and October 2015. During Hughes flap creation an incisional plane was chosen in all cases, which left Müller’s muscle attached to the superior tarsal margin, while disinserting the levator aponeurosis. All cases were grouped according to the horizontal length of the lower lid defect to be reconstructed, as well as to the type of anterior lamella reconstruction (free graft vs. inferiorly based advancement flap). Grouped data were compared for the rate of surgical success, defined as achievement of normal lid function and satisfactory cosmesis without needing further surgical interventions, and for the frequency of specific complications.

Results

Surgical success was achieved in 39 cases (87 %). The remaining cases required additional surgery for minor complications including lower-lid ectropion (4 %), pyogenic granuloma (4 %), or lower lid margin hypertrophy (2 %). Donor-site complications were not detected apart from one case of mild entropion with focal trichiasis. No case of premature flap rupture was seen. Neither the horizontal length of the lower lid defect (p = 0.489), nor the type of anterior lamella reconstruction (p = 0.349) significantly affected the surgical success. Particularly, there was no increased onset of lower-lid ectropion among patients receiving an advancement flap.

Conclusions

The modified Hughes procedure remains a well-suited technique for reconstructing lower eyelid defects involving up to 100 % of the horizontal lid length. Leaving Müller’s muscle attached to the Hughes flap might prevent premature flap dehiscence without increasing the frequency of upper lid retractions in turn. Whether using a free skin graft or a skin-muscle advancement flap for anterior lamella reconstruction, seems to be insignificant for the functional-aesthetical outcome.

Mohs micrographic surgery of the eyelid: an overview of anatomy, pathophysiology, and reconstruction options

BACKGROUND

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the ideal treatment for skin cancer removal. The advantages of MMS in the eyelid area include its high cure rate, tissue-sparing effects, and overall cost effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

To review eyelid anatomy, detail ocular tumors that are amenable to MMS, and examine the surgical repair options commonly used in this area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature on MMS of the eyelid was performed with specific reference to ocular anatomy, eyelid malignancy types, and surgical reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Eyelid function is critical for the maintenance of ocular health and vision. MMS is an ideal skin cancer treatment for the delicate structure of the eyelid, where maximal tissue preservation is critical. There are a plethora of reconstruction options to consider after MMS has been performed in this area. The choice of repair and surgical outcome depend, in part, on the surgeon's knowledge of eyelid anatomy and his or her ability to assess the repair requirements of the post-MMS defect. Dermatologic surgeons can effectively work with other specialists to help ensure that their patients receive a cure with restored ocular function and optimal cosmesis.

Hypertrophic changes of the lower eyelid margin after hughes procedure for eyelid reconstruction: the management and outcomes

PURPOSE

To describe the management of lower eyelid margin hypertrophy as a complication of the Hughes procedure for eyelid reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with lower eyelid hypertrophy after Hughes procedure. Patient demographics, management, histologic findings, and outcomes were recorded. The patients underwent wedge excision of the hypertrophic segment of the eyelid with direct closure achieved in the majority of cases.

RESULTS

Five patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 66 years. The mean onset for the hypertrophic margin was 8.4 weeks after the Hughes flap. Four patients complained of ocular irritation and 1 patient had a constant ocular discharge. All patients were concerned by the appearance of the eyelid margin. Four patients received topical steroid treatment and 4 patients underwent triamcinolone subcutaneous injections with no improvement. The wedge excision was successful in 4 patients at the mean follow-up of 10 months, with no recurrence of the hypertrophic margin. One patient was reviewed in another center.

CONCLUSION

The authors found no beneficial effect with topical or subcutaneous courses of steroids on eyelid margin hypertrophy. In situations of horizontal eyelid laxity, a full-thickness wedge excision offers a good means of removing the offending eyelid segment.

Secondary tarsoconjunctival flap after previous lower eyelid Hughes repair

PURPOSE

To describe a secondary, two-stage eyelid-sharing tarsoconjunctival flap advancement technique for the repair of full-thickness lower eyelid defect, using the remaining upper eyelid marginal tarsus that was spared in a previously performed Hughes procedure.

METHODS

A computerized database search was performed on all cases of Hughes repair of the lower eyelid performed over a 10-year period (1995 to 2005) to identify patients who required a secondary tarsoconjunctival flap repair. In two cases of tumour recurrence at the lower eyelid margin, an eyelid-sharing, two-stage tarsoconjunctival flap repair of the lower eyelid using the remaining 4 mm of marginal tarsus that was spared in the original Hughes procedure was performed. Case reports of these 2 patients are presented together with their postoperative results.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of the described secondary tarsoconjunctival flap procedure was 2 cases per 240 cases (0.8%) of primary Hughes procedure performed over a 10-year period. The postoperative courses in the 2 patients were uncomplicated with excellent surgical results at 6 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The secondary tarsoconjunctival flap advancement procedure is an effective reconstructive technique for the repair of the full-thickness lower eyelid defect in an eyelid that has already undergone a previous Hughes repair.

The 'RITE' use of the Fricke flap in periorbital reconstruction

PURPOSE

To revisit an important but outmoded periorbital reconstructive technique. We present cases to illustrate the usefulness of the Fricke flap and describe a method of rapid intraoperative tissue expansion (RITE), which can enhance the applicability and effectiveness of the Fricke flap. A comparison between those cases performed with and without adjunctive RITE was not made due to the low numbers available.

METHODS

A retrospective review of clinical cases.

RESULTS

A total of 20 cases in which the Fricke flap was used for periorbital reconstruction were reviewed. The mean patient age was 64.7 years; the male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 8 years with a mean of 4.2 years. The most common cause (65%) of periorbital defect was excision of eyelid malignancy. Necrosis of the terminal segment of the flap requiring further surgical intervention occurred in 10% (2/20). In both of these cases, the surgeons were trainees, with the complications being due to poor surgical technique. In the first case, the flap base was too narrow and in the second case, the distal end of the flap was thinned excessively. The functional result was excellent in 10/20 (50%), good in 5/20 (25%), fair in 3/20 (15%), and poor in 2/20 (10%). The cosmetic result was excellent in 3/20 (15%), good in 12/20 (60%), fair in 3/20 (15%), and poor in 2/20 (10%).

CONCLUSION

The Fricke flap is an important and, in selected cases, an indispensable technique in periorbital reconstruction.

Evaluation of Conventional Subciliary Incision Used in Blepharoplasty: Preoperative and Postoperative Videography and Electromyography Findings

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the innervation and function of the orbicularis oculi area clinically, with video imaging, and electrically, with electromyography, before and after lower-eyelid blepharoplasty using a conventional subciliary incision.

METHODS

Nine patients (18 eyes) were studied before and 4 to 12 weeks after lower-eyelid blepharoplasty. Video imaging documented clinical changes in involuntary (blink) and voluntary (squeeze and squint) eyelid function as well as resting lid position and tone. Electromyography was performed using concentric needle electrodes (25 mm in length, 0.03 mm in diameter) placed in the lateral and medial subciliary orbicularis oculi. A total of 36 sites in nine patients (four sites per patient) were studied. Acute denervation was identified by the presence of fasciculation; fibrillation potentials; insertional activity; sharp waves; and grade based on standard electromyography techniques. All patients underwent lower-eyelid blepharoplasty with a subciliary incision, skin-muscle flap and canthal anchoring with canthopexy or cantholysis, and canthoplasty.

RESULTS

Video imaging of the lower eyelid before and after blepharoplasty showed evidence of eyelid malposition or abnormal voluntary or involuntary orbicularis oculi muscle function. There was no evidence of acute denervation in 34 of 36 sites (94 percent). Two patients had abnormal fasciculation in the left lateral position on two of 36 sites (6 percent). Thirty-three weeks postoperatively, one patient was retested and a normal electromyography result was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that lower-lid malposition or abnormal function after lower-lid blepharoplasty cannot be explained by denervation of the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve. Any acute or residual denervation seen in the subciliary orbicularis is not clinically significant. The importance of lower-lid support and canthal anchoring cannot be emphasized enough in preventing lower-lid malposition. Blepharoplasty is a challenging procedure that requires careful preoperative planning, intraoperative reassessment, and meticulous surgical technique to optimize facial rejuvenation and patient safety.

Modified Hughes flap

PURPOSE

To report the outcome of early division of the tarsoconjunctival pedicle of a modified Hughes flap at 1 week after the primary operation.

DESIGN

Noncomparative, interventional, prospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine eyelids of 29 consecutive patients operated using the modified Hughes flap and full-thickness skin graft for lower eyelid reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery, over a 4-year period.

INTERVENTION

In all patients, the pedicle of the Hughes flap was divided 1 week after the primary operation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative lower eyelid flap viability and lower eyelid contour complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine eyelids of 29 patients (mean age: 69+/-11 years) were operated using the modified Hughes flap. The mean follow-up period was 14+/-6 months (range: 6-23). There were no cases of lower eyelid retraction, flap ischemia, or necrosis after division. Postoperative complications included lower eyelid margin erythema in 2 patients (6.9%), upper eyelid lash ptosis in 3 patients (10.3%), and upper eyelid lateral retraction in 1 patient (3.4%).

CONCLUSION

Early division of the tarsoconjunctival pedicle of a modified Hughes flap at 1 week does not compromise the viability of the reconstructed lower eyelid and results in a good functional and cosmetic outcome.

Early division of a modified Cutler–Beard flap with a free tarsal graft

AIMS

We describe a variation of the Cutler-Beard flap in the reconstruction of upper eyelid defects.

METHODS

The technique of upper eyelid reconstruction with a free tarsal graft and a cutaneous lower eyelid advancement flap divided at 2 weeks is described. Four cases where this technique was used for reconstruction of eyelid defects due to periocular malignancy are also reported.

RESULTS

There were three male and one female patients ranging in age from 61 to 78 years. The underlying diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma, trichilemmal carcinoma, and two basal cell carcinomas. Follow-up of 6-28 months revealed a good outcome in all four cases with one patient developing a mild cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion that was managed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

A modified Cutler-Beard flap with free tarsal graft and early division may provide an effective alternative for upper eyelid reconstruction in cases with sufficient lower eyelid skin laxity.

Outcome of tarsoconjunctival flap dehiscence after eyelid reconstruction

PURPOSE

To report the outcome of eyelid reconstruction with a tarsoconjunctival flap complicated by premature flap dehiscence.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

In eight of approximately 100 patients who underwent unilateral lower eyelid reconstruction with a tarsoconjunctival (Hughes) flap during a 15-year interval, the procedure was complicated by premature flap dehiscence resulting from accidental trauma 1 to 11 days after the reconstructive procedure. Immediate surgical repair of the dehiscence was attempted in one case, but the tissues reopened within 1 day. Otherwise, the eyelids were permitted to heal spontaneously with the application of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment as the sole therapy.

RESULTS

Although the reconstructed eyelids healed satisfactorily in each case, one patient, who had dry eyes from Sjögren syndrome, required secondary surgery to treat mild lagophthalmos and lower eyelid retraction.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultimate functional and esthetic outcomes after premature, traumatic dehiscence of a Hughes flap were generally satisfactory, suggesting that elective division of the conjunctival pedicle in uncomplicated cases may be performed relatively soon after the primary reconstructive procedure.