Skin contracture following upper eyelid orbiculectomy: is primary skin excision advisable?

AIM: To report the incidence and consequences of skin contracture following upper eyelid orbiculectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective case note review identified 8 consecutive patients undergoing skin sparing upper eyelid limited orbiculectomy for essential blepharospasm associated with apraxia of eyelid opening. Clinical data collected from this review included age, gender, type of surgery performed, surgical complications, the need for additional surgeries, botulinum toxin treatment after surgery, dry eyes and blepharospasm functional disability assessment score. Pre and post operative photographs (at 1 year follow up) were used to assess the change in upper eyelid skin.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative functional disability score was 72 ± 18 and improved to 25 ± 18 postoperatively at last follow-up. One patient needed botulinum toxin injections postoperatively. Intraoperative complications included bleeding in one case and haematoma in another case. Although we did not excise excess skin in any of our cases, we noted a reduction in upper eyelid skin excess in all cases, postoperatively. Restrictive lagophthalmos was noted in 3 cases (who had orbiculectomy alone) which required skin grafting and/or levator recession.

CONCLUSION

Upper eyelid limited orbiculectomy with meticulous attention to pre-tarsal and pre-septal orbicularis only is effective in improving apraxia of eyelid opening and blepharospasm. Although we did not excise excess skin in any of our cases, we noted skin contracture postoperatively in three cases severe enough to require skin grafting or scar release. In our experience, skin contracture and orbital septal scarring appears to be relatively common following upper eyelid orbiculectomy, particularly if pre-tarsal and septal orbicularis is meticulously excised. In such a scenario we suggest avoiding concurrent excision of any dermatochalasis.