Combination of Mustardè cheek advancement flap and paramedian forehead flap as a reconstructive option in orbital exenteration

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a combinatory technique made of Mustardè cheek advancement flap and paramedian forehead flap as a reconstructive option after orbital exenteration.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent orbital exenteration and subsequent reconstruction with this technique at our Head and Neck Department, Divisions of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, at San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Results: Three patients were treated with the aforementioned technique, following orbital exenteration due to malignancies. All of them were affected by recurrent diseases arising from the ocular components or periorbital structures: one basal cell carcinoma and two squamous cell carcinomas. Excellent result was achieved considering skin texture and colour match, aesthetic results and intra and post-operative complications (only minor, surgically controlled haemorrhage and minimal dehiscence subsequent to defective healing occurred).

Conclusion: The proposed technique can be considered by the head and neck reconstructive surgeon as a good option in extended orbital exenteration.

Keywords: Orbit exenteration; cheek flap; forehead flap; local flaps; reconstructive surgical procedures; surgical flaps.