BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Full thickness reconstruction of more than half o
f an eyelid, mainly of the upper one, is a challenge for the surgeon. In 19
92, for the first time, the authors reported the use of an axial chondro-mu
cosal flap from the nose for reconstruction of the tarsoconjunctival plane
of a full thickness defect of an eyelid. This article reports and discusses
the results of the follow-up of 18 patients operated on using the above te
chnique during the period June 1991-March 1997.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Apart from the oncological evaluation, the following
parameters were assessed: position, closure, the presence of epiphora, leng
th of the palpebral rim, rim opening, levator function, an aesthetic balanc
e of the eyelids, and donor site morbidity. The follow-up ranged from 6 to
40 months.
RESULTS: The axial chondro-mucosal flap was clinically viable in all patien
ts. One patient showed a 2 mm lagophthalmos. Static parameters were within
normal ranges. In upper eyelid reconstruction, an 8 to 18 mm, levator funct
ion (mean 13 mm) was shown.
CONCLUSION: The authors discuss their complications and results and feel th
at this flap, associated with full thickness skin grafts, may be considered
a first choice technique, in expert hands, in complex full thickness upper
eyelid reconstruction, and a possible alternative in lower eyelid reconstr
uction, for wide defects when the use of other flaps is compromised.