Total lower eyelid reconstructions with septal chondromucosal graft and pedicled flap on the superficial temporal artery.

BACKGROUND

Subtotal and total lower eyelid tissue loss after tumour excision is a complex issue for reconstructive surgeons. The anterior and posterior flaps must be restored to avoid compromising the functional and aesthetic prognosis of the eye. This study used a septal chondromucosal graft for the posterior lamella and a fasciocutaneous flap pedicled on the temporal artery for the anterior lamella.

METHOD: We conducted a 10-year monocentric retrospective study, including 18 patients who were treated using a septal chondromucosal graft with a temporal artery pedicle flap following tumour excision. We collected demographic and medico-surgical data related to flap survival, absence of ectropion, lagophthalmos and other post-operative complications. The aesthetic outcome was judged using a grading scale during the last follow-up consultation.

RESULTS

All grafts and flaps survived, whereas 2 patients required early repeat surgery (1 for ectropion and 1 for graft site haematoma). None of the patients developed lagophthalmos. Two patients had distal flap injuries that healed with local care. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome at the last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

Combining a septal chondromucosal graft with a fasciocutaneous flap pedicled to the temporal artery for total lower eyelid reconstruction is a reliable method with satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.