One-stage reconstruction of eye socket and eyelids in orbital exenteration patients.

Abstract

Reconstruction of the exenterated orbit is a difficult problem with several advantages and disadvantages. Satisfactory reconstructive results for both the physician and the patient may need multistage operations that are time consuming and disfiguring. A simple and effective one-stage technique that combines two regional flaps is described for reconstruction of deformities of orbital exenteration. A temporalis muscle flap is transposed for orbital filling, and a prefabricated frontal island flap based on superficial temporal vessels is used for eye socket and eyelid reconstruction. For patients who oppose living with exenteration deformity and request quicker reconstruction, this new and simple technique may be used successfully.