Upper eyelid orbicularis oculi flap with tarsoconjunctival island for reconstruction of full-thickness lower lid defects.

Abstract

The reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the lower eyelid after tumor resection is a challenging operation. The great number of techniques for these defects shows that none of them is the operation of choice. The method of reconstruction will be chosen according to the extent of the defect, the missing components of the eyelid structure, the age of the patient, and the quantity and the quality of the surrounding tissues. In this article, we propose, under specific indications, the use of a pedicled myocutaneous orbicularis oculi flap with a tarsoconjunctival island from the upper eyelid to reconstruct full-thickness lower lid defects. The more choices in a surgeon's armamentarium, the more easily the difficult problems of periorbital surgical oncology will be resolved.