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

Abstract

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.