Reconstructive techniques for lower eyelid and canthal defects after tumor resection.

Background: This prospective study aims to evaluate the demographic and histopathological characteristics of patients who underwent resection of malignant skin tumors of the lower eyelid. It also seeks to assess the size of the defect and outline the management strategies for reconstructing anterior and posterior lamellae.

Methods: The study enrolled 87 patients treated between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The article outlines a reconstructive strategy based on the defect characteristics.

Results: The most prevalent type of tumor was basal cell carcinoma (86%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (8%), malignant melanoma (5%), and Merkel cell carcinoma (1%). There was a slight male preponderance (52%). No significant difference was found in the incidence of lower eyelid malignant tumor between the sex subgroups (p=0.97). The mean age of the patients was 73.52 years (SD=10.582; range 37-92 years). No statistically significant difference in laterality (p=0.108) was observed. A larger tumor size was significantly associated with a higher tumor grade (p=0.008; r=0.926). A significant correlation was identified between the tumor location and the size of the excision (p<0.001). Furthermore, a significant correlation was identified between the histopathological types of tumors and the excision area (p=0.016). Reconstruction of the anterior lamella in small- and medium-sized defects was achieved by using local randomized flaps (61%), primary closure (29%), and skin grafts (10%). For large-sized defects, the anterior lamella was reconstructed by flap (88%) or skin graft (22%). Altogether, posterior lamella was replaced in 25 cases (29%) of all defects using nasal chondromucosa (40%), conchal cartilage (28%), buccal mucosa (8%), periosteal flap (12%), Hewes flap (8%) and Hughes flap (4%).

Conclusion: Advanced techniques are necessary when reconstructing a larger lower lid area. In such cases, various subunits must be reconstructed separately to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, the choice of reconstructive technique mainly depends on the extent of the lid resection (Fig. 9, Ref. 44). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: defects, eyelid, malignant neoplasms, reconstructive surgical procedures, resection.