Treatment of upper eyelid entropion. Lid split surgery and fibrin sealing of free skin transplants

The repair of severe upper eyelid entropion with trichiasis was reported early in ophthalmological literature; a historical review of the main operative techniques is provided. The aim of treatment is to bring the eyelashes away from the lid margin. Recent procedures use an upward transposition of the anterior lamella, which is performed by a lid split technique. The free anterior tarsal surface must be covered by a free, autologous skin graft or mucous-membrane graft to stabilize the free lid margin and to prevent the tarsal plate from shrinking. A fibrin-sealing method is used for the fixation of the graft on the tarsus, thus making sutures unnecessary. The anterior tarsal surface is covered by the fibrin-glued transplant, which prevents the posterior lamella from shrinking and does not allow the lashes to descend to the lid margin again. The results of using this new method on seven patients are presented.     

Congenital malposition of the eyelid system: epiblepharon, lower and upper lid entropium. Differential diagnosis, complications and therapy

Epiblepharon is a relatively common congenital anomaly and has to be distinguished from entropion, a rare congenital condition. Both cause trichiasis and irritation of the globe. Early surgery prevents severe ocular complications. The very rare congenital entropion of the upper lids, in particular, which is based on a tarsal anomaly known as the tarsal kink, requires primary surgical treatment to prevent keratopathy, corneal ulceration, and blindness in newborns. Epiblepharon can usually be treated adequately with a special suture technique; for congenital entropion, however, a skin-muscle resection is often necessary. Congenital entropion in adults can be treated with good results using a modified lid-split technique. In congenital entropion of the upper lid the tarsal kink has to be resected and the anterior lamella transposed upward and tightened. Postoperative treatment with a therapeutic contact lens accelerates healing of the keratopathy. Good results, both functional and cosmetic, can be achieved with the techniques described in this paper.     

Reconstruction of large upper eyelid defects with a free tarsal plate graft and a myocutaneous pedicle flap plus a free skin graft

Purpose: To review and present the results of a one-step method employing a free tarsal plate graft and a myocutaneous pedicle flap plus a free skin graft for reconstruction of large upper eyelid defects after tumour surgery.Methods: This was a retrospective case-series of 8 patients who underwent reconstruction of the upper eyelid after tumour removal. The horizontal defect involved 50–75% of the lid (3 pts.), more than 75% (3 pts.), and more than 75% plus the lateral canthus (2 pts.). The posterior lamella was reconstructed with contralateral upper eyelid tarsal plate. The anterior lamella was reconstructed with a laterally based myocutaneous pedicle flap in 7 patients, leaving a raw surface under the brow which was covered with a free skin graft. In 1 patient with little skin left under the brow, the anterior lamella was reconstructed with a bi-pedicle orbicularis muscle flap together with a free skin graft.Results: All patients healed without necrosis, did not suffer from lagophthalmos, achieved reasonable cosmesis, and did not need lubricants. In one patient, a contact lens was necessary for three weeks because of corneal erosion. One patient still needs a contact lens 3 months after excision to avoid eye discomfort.Conclusion: Large upper eyelid defects can be reconstructed with a free tarsal plate graft and a laterally based myocutaneous pedicle flap in combination with a free skin graft. Two-step procedures can probably be avoided in most cases.     

Free tarsal graft combined with skin transposition flap for full-thickness lower eyelid reconstruction

We present the surgical outcome in a series of 4 patients with large full-thickness eyelid defects after basal cell carcinoma excision. The patients underwent reconstructive eyelid surgery using autogenous free tarsal grafts combined with a skin transposition flap from the upper eyelid. Two female and 2 male patients ranging in age from 44 years to 85 years were treated. In all 4 cases, posterior lamellae were reconstructed using a free tarsal graft, and the outer lamella was developed with a transposition skin flap from the upper eyelid. The skin flap provided adequate vascular support in all cases. Follow up of 10 months to 20 months showed a good outcome in all patients. Reconstruction of full thickness eyelid defects after extensive tumor excision requires reforming of the anterior and posterior lamella. Whereas the Hughes or Cutler Beard techniques for eyelid reconstruction require a 2-step approach with occlusion of the eye for at least 1 week, reconstruction with a free tarsal graft is a 1-stage procedure and does not entail eye occlusion. Autogenous tarsus as a free graft proves to be a simple procedure for posterior lamella substitution in lower eyelid surgery, especially in combination with a skin transposition flap from the upper eyelid.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation in entropion surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of amniotic membrane transplantation in the management of cicatricial eyelid entropion. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen consecutive patients with cicatricial entropion. METHODS: A gray line lid split procedure with vertical anterior lamella repositioning was performed on 25 eyelids (upper or lower) of 18 patients with moderate to severe cicatricial entropion. Preserved human amniotic membrane (AM) was used to cover the bare tarsus up to the lid margin and secured with running 7-0 Vicryl. Impression cytology of the AM was performed at various stages postoperatively to study the epithelialization process. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Reepithelialization of bare tarsus, (2) extent of tarsal shrinkage, (3) recurrence of entropion. RESULTS: All the AM grafts took well. The most common complication was hemorrhage below the graft, which occurred in six cases. Complete success with no lashes touching the globe was achieved in 22 of 25 (88%) lids after a minimum follow-up of 12.0 months. The mean follow-up was 17.8 months. Two cases (qualified success) had recurrent trichiasis treated successfully with electrolysis. One case with severe trachomatous upper lid entropion recurred 14 months after surgery. The AM accelerated the epithelialization of bare tarsus; this was demonstrated by lack of fluorescein staining and reversion to skin color within 2 to 3 weeks. However, AM could not prevent tarsal shrinkage. Impression cytology demonstrated that features of conjunctival epithelium were present for the first postoperative month, but this was gradually replaced by squamous metaplasia, with keratinization appearing as early as 3 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of AM in a lid split procedure for correction of cicatricial entropion helps the bare tarsus epithelialize rapidly and improves the initial cosmetic result of surgery.     

Management of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion

Purpose: There is a paucity of published data on the management of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion. We report on our results using such techniques as lamella repositioning, recession or augmentation and terminal tarsal rotation. Design: Observational retrospective case series. Participants: Consecutive cases of upper eyelid cicatricial entropion of two specialist oculoplastic centres (Corneoplastic Unit, East Grinstead, UK and South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology, Adelaide, Australia) were reviewed over a 7‐year period. Methods: All patients underwent anterior lamellar repositioning or terminal tarsal rotation. Main Outcome Measures: Success was defined by two definitions: anatomical success was defined where the lid margin was restored to its normal position. Complete success was defined where there were no eyelashes touching the globe. Gain or loss (≤ or ≥2 Snellen lines) in best corrected visual acuity using a Snellen chart and resolution of any corneal epitheliopathy at final follow‐up were also recorded (as graded by experienced oculoplastic consultants). Results: Fifty‐two procedures were performed on 41 patients (11 bilateral). All patients underwent either an anterior lamellar repositioning or a terminal tarsal rotation. Trachoma, previous upper lid surgery, Stevens–Johnson syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction were the commonest underlying diagnoses. Ninety‐eight per cent of the group had a normal anatomical lid position at follow‐up. Nine eyelids (17%) of the group had recurrence of trichiasis. Conclusion: This large case series demonstrates that upper eyelid cicatricial entropion is managed effectively utilizing procedures that involve recession and reposition. We recommend that excision of tissue is avoided, especially in pathology that has a progressive immunological cicatricial drive.     

Entropion following the Cutler-Beard procedure

Cicatricial entropion is one of several complications that may occur following the Cutler-Beard procedure in upper eyelid reconstruction. Three of ten eyelids developed this complication and were treated successfully. The incidence of entropion following this procedure should be decreased if a tarsal substitute is provided at the time of the initial operation. A composite graft from the nasal septum, a tarsoconjunctival flap from the opposing lower lid, preserved sclera, or autogenous ear cartilage are acceptable tarsal substitutes that can provide the necessary stability to the reconstructed eyelid.     

Modification of the Mustardé and Hughes methods of reconstructing the lower lid.

Reconstruction of the lower lid often is a greater task than originally anticipated in preoperative evaluations. The Mustardé and Hughes methods are commonly used for extensive lower lid reconstruction. Certain difficulties encountered in these methods may be minimized by variations in the basic techniques. Structural support for a Mustardé flap may be provided by a free tarsal conjunctival graft rather than a nasal septal cartilage mucosa graft. Late complications following the Hughes procedure include upper lid retraction and entropion. These may be minimized by removing Mueller's muscle from the flap at the time of the original dissection. The Hughes flap may be lysed in 3 to 4 weeks. Lid margin abnormalities, which occur occasionally, are corrected with minor modifications.     

Congenital horizontal tarsal kink: a simple surgical correction.

A case is reported in which a simple anterior lamellar repositioning procedure was used successfully to repair an upper lid entropion associated with a horizontal tarsal kink. This obviates the need for the more complex and destructive procedures which have previously been described for the treatment of this condition.     

Levator aponeurosis sandwich flap for reconstruction of upper eyelid defect

A 72-year-old woman suffered from a sebaceous gland carcinoma on her left upper eyelid. The tumour was 13 × 5 mm without metastasis. The tumour was excised with a 5-mm safety margin, resulting in a large, full-thickness defect in which almost all of the tarsal plate, approximately half of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and part of the levator aponeurosis were lost. Reconstruction of the upper eyelid was successfully performed with a levator aponeurosis sandwich flap, upon which the posterior lamella was covered by a free tarsal graft with medial and lateral periosteal flaps, and a skin graft from the contralateral upper eyelid for the anterior lamella. No lagophthalmos was demonstrated after the operation. Six months postoperatively, there was no tumour recurrence, no ocular complications, and good cosmetic results.     

Levator Aponeurosis Sandwich Flap for Reconstruction of Upper Eyelid Defect

A 72-year-old woman suffered from a sebaceous gland carcinoma on her left upper eyelid. The tumour was 13 × 5 mm without metastasis. The tumour was excised with a 5-mm safety margin, resulting in a large, full-thickness defect in which almost all of the tarsal plate, approximately half of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and part of the levator aponeurosis were lost. Reconstruction of the upper eyelid was successfully performed with a levator aponeurosis sandwich flap, upon which the posterior lamella was covered by a free tarsal graft with medial and lateral periosteal flaps, and a skin graft from the contralateral upper eyelid for the anterior lamella. No lagophthalmos was demonstrated after the operation. Six months postoperatively, there was no tumour recurrence, no ocular complications, and good cosmetic results.     

Correction of lower lid retraction combined with entropion using an ear cartilage graft in the anophthalmic socket

PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical results of an ear cartilage graft and supplemental procedures for correcting lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 7 anophthalmic patients with lower lid retraction and entropion, who received a posterior lamellar ear cartilage graft and one or both of lateral tarsal strip or eyelash-everting procedure between March 1998 and March 2003. Preoperative and postoperative lid and socket statuses were also investigated. RESULTS: Ear cartilage grafts were performed in all 7 patients, lateral tarsal strips in 6, and eyelash-everting procedures in 5. Postoperative follow-up durations ranged from 4 to 28 months (average 12.6 months). Retractions were corrected during follow-up in all patients. There were no cases of entropion immediately after surgery. However, the eyelashes of the lower lid returned to an upright position in 4 patients, but not so severe as to touch the ocular prosthesis, and thus did not require surgical correction during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients can be corrected effectively using an ear cartilage graft with selective, supplemental procedures.     

Irradiated homologous tarsal plate banking: a new alternative in eyelid reconstruction. Part II. Human data

Reconstruction of full thickness eyelid defects requires the correction of both posterior lamella (tarsus, conjunctiva) and anterior lamella (skin, muscle). Irradiated homologous tarsal plate provides a structured framework for the lid reconstruction, and is incorporated nicely into the normal lid anatomy.     

Tarsoconjunctival transposition. Causes, prevention and possibilities for correction of postoperative complications]

The Hughes' tarsoconjunctival flap technique has proved to be a reliable operative procedure for the treatment of large lower-lid defects for more than 55 years. The Hughes' procedure has maintained its importance despite the development of numerous other operations, two reasons for this being that there have now been several modifications to this technique and that the lids do not have to be closed as long. To help the surgeon avoid and eliminate problems and errors in the operative technique we provide details and some useful tricks we have learned over the years while treating over 50 patients. The causes, prophylaxis, and correction of postoperative complications are described for the following: lowering the lid margin; thinning of the lid in the area of the tarsal transposition; lymph edema of the transplant; lid margin defects, and dehiscence of the wound; corneal epithelial defects; trichiasis caused by lanugo hair; keratinization of the lid margin; ectropion of the conjunctiva; retraction of the upper lid, and entropion of the upper lid. If these details are taken into consideration, the Hughes' procedure is a simple operative technique that is free of serious complications and gives good results in the reconstruction of the lower lid.     

Central corneal dellen: a complication of upper eyelid tarsotomy

PURPOSE: To report a rare complication of central corneal dellen that developed after a tarsotomy procedure to correct cicatricial entropion. METHOD: Central corneal dellen developed in a 60-year-old woman 3 months after a tarsotomy procedure for correction of cicatricial upper eyelid entropion. Eversion of the upper eyelid showed a retracted and buckled tarsal plate and the presence of a 5 x 10-mm depression between the edge of the tarsoconjunctival flap and lower tarsal bridge. RESULTS: The recalcitrant corneal defect was reversed when the upper eyelid tarsoconjunctival surface contour was restored by full-thickness tarsal incisions designed to flatten the dome-shaped tarsal plate. CONCLUSION: An upper eyelid defect producing suboptimal lid-globe apposition during lid closure can lead to dellen formation because of focal corneal dehydration as the result of an altered tear meniscus.     

Total lower lid reconstruction:clinical outcomes of utilizing three-layer flap and graft in one session

METHODS: Seventeen patients with total or near total lower eyelid defect were included. The defects were reconstructed in three layers. Posterior lamella was reconstructed by using tarsoconjunctival free graft from the ipsilateral upper lid and periosteal flap from lateral orbital rim. Mobilization of residual orbicularis muscle provided a rich blood supply; and the anterior lamella was reconstructed by skin flap prepared from upper lid blepharoplasty as a one-pedicular or bipedicular bucket handle flap.RESULTS: The cause of lower eyelid defect was basal cell carcinoma in 15 patients and trauma in two of them. No intraoperative and postoperative complication occurred. Patients were followed from 10 to 15mo postoperatively. Cosmetic results were favorable in all patients and we had acceptable functional results. Thickness of the reconstructed tissue was a concern in early postoperative period.CONCLUSION:Three-layer lower lid reconstruction in one session is an effective technique for total lower lid reconstruction with minimal complications and acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and can be considered as a safe alternative for the preexisting techniques.     

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.     

Surgical correction of entropion and excess upper eyelid skin in congenital cutis laxa: a case report

Congenital cutis laxa is a rare generalized inherited elastosis, characterized by the appearance of premature aging and skin laxity with mild to severe systemic anomalies. Ocular manifestations include excess skin in the eyelids, ptosis and lower lid ectropion. Of the hyperelasticity syndromes - Ehlers Danlos, Pseudoxanthoma elasticum and cutis laxa - only cutis laxa has normal skin wound healing. The diagnosis must therefore be established before surgical options for treatment are considered. We report an unusual case of a 5-month-old male child with cutis laxa who presented with upper lid entropion secondary to severe redundant upper eyelid skin. An anterior lamellar repositioning procedure successfully corrected the lid margin malposition with complete relief of symptoms.     

Surgical correction of entropion and excess upper eyelid skin in congenital cutis laxa: a case report

Congenital cutis laxa is a rare generalized inherited elastosis, characterized by the appearance of premature aging and skin laxity with mild to severe systemic anomalies. Ocular manifestations include excess skin in the eyelids, ptosis and lower lid ectropion. Of the hyperelasticity syndromes – Ehlers Danlos, Pseudoxanthoma elasticum and cutis laxa – only cutis laxa has normal skin wound healing. The diagnosis must therefore be established before surgical options for treatment are considered. We report an unusual case of a 5-month-old male child with cutis laxa who presented with upper lid entropion secondary to severe redundant upper eyelid skin. An anterior lamellar repositioning procedure successfully corrected the lid margin malposition with complete relief of symptoms.