Double composite lid reconstruction: a new method of upper and lower lid reconstruction

The double composite grafting technique utilizes two composite lid grafts from an opposing upper and lower lid for reconstruction of extensive lid defects. These two composite grafts are covered by a rotational pedicle advancement skin flap. The skin defect created by such an advancement graft is covered by a free skin graft. The donor areas are closed directly by a layer-by-layer approximation. This new single-stage technique allows reconstruction of large lid defects without covering an affected eye for a prolonged period and without jeopardizing the irreplaceable entity of a "normal" lid margin.     

Partial and Total Reconstruction of the Lower Eyelid

Our techniques for reconstruction of the lower lid are based on the maintenance of tarsal support in the reconstructed lid. The surgical approach is dictated by the position and extent of the defect produced by tumor excision. Lysis of the extension of the lateral canthal ligament to the lower lid allows closure of small, full-thickness defects. Mobilization of tarsal remnants by temporal advancement flaps provides for closure of larger defects. An advancement flap of split-thickness upper lid tarsus is combined with a pedicle flap of skin from the upper lid for total lower lid reconstruction.     

Eyelid reconstruction with tarsomarginal grafts

Summary In the past 3 years, 85 basal cell carcinomas were treated in our clinic using eyelid reconstruction. During the same period, 54 lids were reconstructed after other diseases, mostly after chemical burns. In one of the 54 patients, the upper lid was reconstructed using a tarso-marginal graft after congenital coloboma. Method: In 31 of the 85 patients with basal-well carcinoma (36 %), so much tarsus was lost that a transplantation of tarsus was necessary. Fifteen of the 31 patients were treated with a Hughes-plasty and 16 using a tarsomarginal graft, two in the upper lid. Results: In eight of the remaining 16 cases, the defect was less than one half of length, so that the graft was taken from the second lower lid. In the remaining eight patients, the defect was two thirds of length or longer. In six cases, a 7 mm-graft was taken from the upper lid. As the tarsus from the upper lid measures 10 mm and is thus twice as big as the lower lid tarsus, it was divided into two grafts, resulting in two grafts measuring 7 × 5 mm. They were placed in the lower lid (“double tarsomarginal graft”). The former lower part with lashes was placed in the middle of the lower lid, the former upper part peripherally. In two patients, the defect was healed with three tarsomarginal grafts. A pedicle skin flap was transposed to cover the posterior grafts. Remaining defects were closed with free skin transplants. Conclusion: The tarsomarginal graft permits a short operation time and early rehabilitation of the patients. The disadvantage of the double tarsomarginal graft is that the more valuable upper lid tarsus is used to reconstruct the less valuable lower lid tarsus.      

Rekonstruktion von Hautdefekten in der Lid- und Periorbitalregion mittels vier Dreiecksverschiebelappen

PURPOSE: This report presents a procedure as an alternative to free skin grafts for reconstruction of rhomboid skin defects in the lid region. METHOD: Ten consecutively treated patients were included who had skin defects after resection of eyelid tumors such as basaliomas. The skin defects were rhomboid and had the same horizontal and vertical diameter (medium 1.5 cm) and were therefore too large for a horizontal advancement flap. The defects were closed by preparation of four triangular skin flaps that were sutured crosswise into the defect. RESULTS: The procedure was adequate for reconstruction of the defect in all ten cases. There were no lid malpositions and the cosmetic results were favorable in all cases. The medium operation time was significantly shorter in comparison to free skin grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Application of free skin grafts is a standard procedure for reconstruction of anterior lamellar lid defects. Triangular transposition flaps can be a timesaving alternative with good cosmetic results.     

Laser-assisted tarsoconjunctival flap harvesting for lower eyelid defect reconstruction.

Tarsoconjunctival flap procedures are reliable and versatile procedures for reconstruction of large lower lid defects. We present a new carbon dioxide laser-assisted flap-harvesting technique. This technique combines precise and accurate incisions with simultaneous complete hemostasis. We have done carbon dioxide laser-assisted flap harvesting for large and total lower lid defects. The hemostatic evaporative cutting of the carbon dioxide laser decreases time, swelling, and bleeding in obtaining tarsoconjunctival grafts and flaps.     

Complicated eyelid reconstruction after an unusual glabellar flap repair

Remote flaps may be used for lid reconstruction when tissue loss is extensive and there is insufficient tissue in the adjoining areas. Median forehead flaps are usually used for upper lid, medial canthal or nasal repairs. We describe a complicated reconstruction of the lid and correction of a deformity which resulted from the injudicious use of a glabellar flap for lower lid repair. Improper use of a median forehead flap may interfere with the functioning of the lid, leading to corneal exposure and poor cosmesis. Lower lid defects are better repaired by advancement flaps or techniques like Tenzel's semicircular flap, reverse Cutler Beard, Hughes procedure or Mustarde's repair.     

Modified full-lid transplants ("tarsomarginal transplants") in reconstructive eyelid surgery

The author first used modified full-thickness lid grafts (tarsomarginal grafts) in lid reconstruction in 1972. They consist of only conjunctiva, tarsus, and lid margin. The anterior lid lamella is rebuilt by a myocutaneous flap from the adjacent tissue. As compared to conventional full-thickness lid grafts, this reduces the risk of necrosis. No cosmetic or functional disturbance of donor eyelids was observed. In cases of total lid loss up to three tarsomarginal grafts can be inserted simultaneously. The use of modified full-thickness grafts is superior to other well-known techniques, especially in cases with defects of the medial half of the lower lid and upper lid defects, up to and including total upper lid loss, even if the tarsus in the grafts is subject to regressive changes and the lashes are usually lost.     

采用180°旋转皮瓣修复眼睑肿物切除术后眼睑皮肤缺损的临床研究

目的　探讨采用180°旋转皮瓣修复眼睑肿物切除术后眼睑皮肤缺损的安全性和有效性。方法　回顾性分析29例38眼采用180°旋转皮瓣修复眼睑肿物切除术后造成的眼睑皮肤缺损患者。术中按照标记线切除肿物后,在肿物一侧或两侧标记松弛的上睑或下睑皮肤量,按照重睑或眼袋延长线切开皮肤,在靠近皮肤缺损区的上方或下方留5 mm左右宽的蒂,分离皮瓣,并带有少量的眼轮匝肌,然后将皮瓣旋转180°,修剪皮瓣后间断缝合,再连续缝合供皮区皮肤切口。术后加压包扎48 h。对术后外观和皮瓣的存活情况进行连续性观察。结果　所有180°旋转皮瓣均在眼睑缺损区良好存活,不需要打包加压,而且皮瓣收缩量低,术后手术瘢痕相对隐蔽。2眼皮瓣在术后早期出现皮瓣尖端发黑;多数皮瓣蒂部早期存在轻度猫耳现象,术后3个月猫耳逐渐平复,除1眼术后6个月因上睑皮肤松弛和猫耳现象而行上睑成形术外,其余患者均无需二次手术。结论　180°旋转皮瓣手术操作相对简单,可避免发生眼睑外翻、变形等并发症,是眼睑前层缺损修复的备选方法。     

Infra orbital bipedicled bridge flap in lower lid reconstruction

The infraorbital bipedicled skin-muscle-flap is a well vascularized flap, which provides a good blood supply for underlying free grafts. The main disadvantage when using this flap is the fact that the free skin graft, which is necessary for closure of the secondary defect, shows an unattractive appearance fora longer period of time. In my opinion the use of the bipedicled flap is indicated only in patients with total lower lid loss combined with defects at the inner and outer canthus. In cases of simple lower lid loss other well known procedures should be preferred.     

Operative Treatment of Large Periocular Xanthelasma

Purpose: To present our experience in operative treatment of large periocular xanthelasma. Methods: Sixty-three patients with large periocular xanthelasma were operatively treated in our department. Ipsilateral and/or contralateral lid skin grafts harvested by blepharoplasty, alone or in combination with local flaps, were used. Forty patients (64%) had enough skin to graft the defect after primary xanthelasma removal. In 10 patients, additional local flaps were used: modified rhomboid flap in six patients, local advancement flap in two, and bi-lobed flap in two patients. In three patients (5%), a sequential approach was applied since xanthelasma were too large to be completely removed in a single-step excision. No serious complications were shown. Results: Patients were followed from 6 months to 8 years. Five patients (8%) returned with recurrences 3–8 years after primary excision. Conclusions: In lack of the setting for xanthelasma laser treatment, operative approach of a single-step or sequential excision using lid skin graft combined with local flaps proved its value for large periocular xanthelasma.     

Eyelid retractor surgery as an adjunct to cicatricial ectropion repair

Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of eyelid retractor repair in cicatricial ectropion of the lower eyelid. Methods : The study design was a prospective case series. One hundred and twenty eight eyelids were operated on in 100 consecutive patients with cicatricial ectropion. All patients underwent lower eyelid retractor repair via a conjunctival approach combined with skin replacement to the anterior lamella with or without a horizontal lid tightening procedure. When only medial ectropion was present, a medial‐based transpositional skin flap was used to repair the anterior lamella (26 eyelids). The remaining eyelids with ectropion involving all or most of the eyelid underwent upper‐to‐lower eyelid lateral‐based transpositional skin flap repair (92 eyelids), or full thickness free skin grafting (10 eyelids). Horizontal lid tightening was performed by lateral canthoplasty in 123 eyelids. Results : Relief of cicatricial ectropion symptoms was reported in 90% of patients overall. A normal punctum position was achieved in 70% of eyelids, overall, and was highest (88%) with a medial‐based transpositional skin flap. Conclusions : Eyelid retractor repair combined with skin replacement and horizontal lid shortening is an effective procedure for cicatricial ectropion.     

Cicatricial ectropion due to essential skin shrinkage: treatment with rotational upper-lid pedicle flaps

Ectropion is sometimes due to a shortage of skin of the lower lid (cicatricial) and may result from previous surgery, trauma, burns, skin diseases etc. Excessive exposure to the sun has also been incriminated. Vertical traction lines in the skin of the lower lid, accentuated by gazing up or by opening the mouth, suggest this condition. This paper describes the use of pedicle skin flaps rotated from the upper lid to treat cicatricial ectropion occurring in the absence of any predisposing factor and not responding to conservative treatment--that is, due to essential skin shrinkage. All 10 patients had an improved appearance, and epiphora persisted in only 1 patient, who subsequently underwent a punctum-enlarging procedure. In an 11th patient there was insufficient redundant upper-lid skin, so a free skin graft was used instead.     

Anchored flaps in post-Mohs reconstruction of the lower eyelid,cheek, and lateral canthus: avoiding eyelid distortion

PURPOSE: To describe a system of post-Mohs reconstruction that addresses lower eyelid susceptibility to unopposed tractional, cicatricial, and gravitational forces. Large flaps are anchored to fixed tissue to avoid transmitting flap tension to the eyelids. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cohort study drawn from approximately 40 patients with post-Mohs defects of the nonmarginal lower eyelid, cheek, and lateral canthus. Surgical intervention involved horizontally oriented, relaxed skin tension line-designed advancement flaps, usually with eyelid margin stabilization. The use of anchoring sutures and any requirement for flap-graft combinations were based on defect size and the elasticity of adjacent tissues. RESULTS: Anchoring eyelid and cheek flaps to underlying periosteum permitted broad flap dissection and advancement without distortion, as the semimobile eyelid and canthi were protected from the resulting flap tension. Anticipated defect size limits for flap reconstruction often were exceeded. Defects too broad for flap reconstruction alone could be downsized, leaving a relatively small area for graft resurfacing. CONCLUSIONS: Anchored cheek flaps extend recognition of the continuity of the lower eyelid and midface to the primary reconstruction of tumor-free defects, and they address the relation by restoring deep attachments that minimize eyelid and canthal dystopia.     

旋转易位皮瓣及颧颌皮瓣在下睑缺损整复中的应用研究

目的：探讨外伤及肿瘤切除等原因造成的下睑(前层及全层)缺损的Ⅰ期整复及再造方法在功能修复与外观美容等方面的作用。方法：对61例因外伤及下睑良、恶性肿瘤切除所致的下睑前层缺损或下睑全层缺损的患者分别选择旋转易位皮瓣或颧颌皮瓣修复缺损，观察近远期疗效及并发症。结果：术后皮瓣全部成活，色泽良好，活动度满意。结论：上述两种方法对于下睑缺损(不论缺损大小，深浅程度如何)均可完满修复，达到功能与外形的完美结合。     

Extensive lid reconstruction using an augmented pedicle flap

A method is described for reconstructing a total or subtotal defect of the lower lid. Essentially, it consists of a lateral sliding pedicle flap that has been augmented by including semicircles of additional skin on its upper and lower margins. Results of this procedure following excision of extensive basal cell carcinomas of the lower lid have been satisfactory in seven patients followed for one to four years. The major advantages of the method are: (1) occlusion of the eye is minimized; (2) it is a one-stage operation; (3) surgery is far simpler than many other methods for such conditions; (4) complications have been minor; (5) the upper lid is not disturbed. The technique was suggested by Tenzel's method for repairing smaller lid defects. Further trial of the method is indicated to assess its true value.     

Total lid replacement by an autologous and homologous combination graft in emergencies

Report on 3 cases with total loss of a lid which required an "emergency lid" in order to protect the cornea. In all cases the tarsus was replaced by a strip of dura mater, the eye-lid skin by a free retroauricular graft. In all 3 cases the attempt was made to mobilize the levator and other adjacent tissue and fix them to the tarsus replacement. In one case the upper palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva was also replaced by 2 flaps of lip mucosa. In this case the lower half of the tarsal zone was rejected; however, the situation was mastered by tarsoconjunctival shifting of the lower lid with a free lid skin graft from the other eye. All "emergency lids" resulted in lid closure which protected the cornea sufficiently. The 2 patients in whom the upper lid was replaced had active lid movement of 3 to 4 mm.     

Transplantation of Eyebank Sclera in the Cutler — Beard Method of Upper Eyelid Reconstruction

A modification of the Cutler-Beard, or bridge flap, technique for upper eyelid reconstruction using donor sclera for tarsal replacement was performed in 26 patients with follow-up ranging from eight months to nine years. Because the flap advanced from the lower lid normally contains little or no tarsus, donor sclera is inserted between the conjunctiva-lower lid retractor and the skin-muscle layers and is fixed medially and laterally to the tarsal remnants and to the levator aponeurosis superiorly in order to provide substance and stability to the upper lid. Use of donor sclera for tarsal replacement has provided a more normal appearance and greater stability to the reconstructed upper lid. No infection, shrinkage, or rejection has occurred.     

Dry Eye Symptoms in Patients after Eyelid Reconstruction with Full-Thickness Eyelid Defects: Using the Tomey TG-1000 Thermographer

Background: Large full-thickness eyelid defects are conventionally reconstructed by either a Hughes flap or Cutler-Beard bridge flap. Since the structure of the eyelid and its components are necessary for the tear film production and stability, we investigated the outcome after eyelid reconstruction focusing on dry eye symptoms using a new thermographic device, the TG-1000. Methods: Seventeen eyes of patients formerly treated with Hughes flaps (n = 16) and a Cutler-Beard bridge flap (n = 1) were compared to untreated healthy eyes (n = 17) regarding the functional and aesthetic outcome. The follow-up ranged from 3 to 63 months (mean 24.88 ± 17.86). Results: There was no significant difference in Schirmer's test, break-up time and ocular surface temperature (p > 0.05) between patients after full-thickness eyelid reconstruction and a control group. Eleven patients had minor postoperative complications such as notching of the lid margin (11/17), epiphora (1/17), superficial punctate keratitis (6/17), trichiasis (2/17) and a mild tendency to eversion of the lid margin (6/17). More than 75% of the patients rated their postoperative aesthetic outcome as good or even excellent. Conclusion: The new TG-1000 device is a simple and quick tool for screening of dry eye. This study shows that tarsoconjunctival grafts offer good aesthetic and functional outcome with sufficient tear film composition and stability.     

Cicatricial ectropion: repair with myocutaneous flaps and canthopexy

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of myocutaneous upper eyelid flaps combined with canthopexy to treat cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion. METHODS: A prospective non-comparative case series undertaken in a private practice setting. Consecutive patients with moderate lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion and upper eyelid dermatochalasis underwent transfer of a bipedicle or monopedicle flap from the upper eyelid combined with canthopexy. The main outcome measures included the occurrence of complications, eyelid position and cosmesis. RESULTS: Sixty-two consecutive cases of cicatricial ectropion repair using myocutaneous flaps and canthopexy. After a mean follow up of 20 months, 58 (93.5%) of the cases had the lower lid punctum facing posterosuperior into the tear lake, showed lid globe apposition and satisfactory eyelid position. There was mild recurrence of cicatricial ectropion in four patients (6.5%). There were no cases of graft failure or granuloma formation. CONCLUSION: The use of a myocutaneous flap from the upper eyelid combined with a canthopexy suspension suture for repair of cicatricial ectropion may offer good eyelid position and function. This technique has the advantage of avoiding full thickness blepharotomy and was associated with a low incidence of early recurrence.     

Revascularization studies of an opposing eyelid pedicle flap

Opposing eyelid pedicle flaps are used extensively in ophthalmic plastic surgery. Controversy exists over the timing of pedicle severance. Additionally, the functional and morphologic status of eyelid pedicle flaps at the time of severance has not been fully assessed. We attempt to investigate these questions by measuring the functional and morphologic changes that occur in an animal model of an opposing eyelid pedicle flap. These results were correlated with clinical case studies. Experimental results revealed vascularization of the animal model flap at 5 days. Clinical case studies revealed successful flap division by 3 weeks or less. We discuss factors that may delay flap revascularization.