Composite Graft of Cavum Conchae for Eyelid Defect: A New Approach.

BACKGROUND

There are many methods to repair periocular defects, including local tissue flaps and free tissue transplantation. However, auricular composite tissue grafting for repairing periocular defects has not been previously reported.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the use of auricular composite tissue grafts for the repair of periocular defects.

METHODS

The medical records of 10 patients who underwent periocular tumor excision and eyelid repair with auricular composite tissue grafts were reviewed between October 2021 and October 2025. Various parameters, including demographic and clinical data, defect diameter, primary defect closure, complications, and follow-up time, were recorded. The donor site was repaired using a retroauricular island flap.

RESULTS

All 10 patients (4 women, 6 men) aged 34 to 79 years underwent resection of malignant orbital tumors. The diameter of the postoperative defect was 15 to 25 mm. The periocular defects were closed primarily using autologous auricular composite tissue grafts. No postoperative complications or tumor recurrences were observed. All the patients were satisfied with the results. The patients were followed up for 4 to 52 months.