Midterm results of conjunctival reconstruction with buccal mucosa and amniotic membrane after resecting ocular surface squamous neoplasia of the fornix.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the midterm results of tumour resection with or without adjunctive therapy for ocular surface squamous neoplasia of the fornix, including conjunctival reconstruction with buccal mucosa and amniotic membrane.

METHODS

A retrospective case-series analysis including slit-lamp examination, photographic documentation, and biopsy results (repeated when clinical findings changed). Analysis centred on eye function, complications, additional procedures, and recurrence rate. Surgical technique included tumour resection and subsequent reconstruction of lost conjunctiva with buccal mucosa and amniotic membrane.

RESULTS

We included 83 affected eyes from 76 patients (mean age, 63.10 ± 14.45 years; 34 females) seen over a mean follow-up period of 26.56 ± 21.17 months. We achieved bulbus oculi salvage in 82 eyes (98.79%) and typically preserved visual acuity (mean 0.2 ± 0.5 logMAR and 0.3 ± 0.5 logMAR at presentation and last follow-up, respectively). Moreover, only 23 patients (27.71%) required corrective surgery for clinically relevant complications. The main complications included symblepharon (9.64%; n = 8), cicatricial ectropion (9.64%; n = 8), pannus (9.64%; n = 8), and corneal decompensation (8.43%; n = 7). Local tumour recurrence was seen in 23 patients (27.71%).

CONCLUSIONS

These midterm results confirm the efficacy of conjunctival reconstruction with amniotic membrane and buccal mucosa after resection of ocular surface squamous neoplasia from the fornix with palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva involvement. We not only achieved good tumour control and organ salvage with high levels of organ preservation but we also achieved good functional outcomes and acceptable recurrence rates. All clinically significant complications could be corrected in separate procedures.