Total Full-Thickness Upper Eyelid Reconstruction: Combination of Mustardé Eyelid Switch Flap with a Bipedicled Periosteal and Tenzel Flap Technique

Abstract

Abstract Introduction In recent decades, two techniques for large full-thickness upper eyelid reconstruction have been described, the Cutler-Beard lid sharing flap and the Mustardé eyelid switch flap. In the literature, modifications are being introduced to improve those techniques. Here, we present our approach for the reconstruction of total full-thickness upper eyelid defects and compare it with these established upper lid reconstruction techniques. Methods Three patients presented with upper eyelid tumors and required extensive excision resulting in total full-thickness upper eyelid defects. Reconstruction consisted of a two-stage procedure: a Mustardé eyelid switch flap was performed followed by division of the rotation flap and lateral canthoplasty using a periosteal bipedicled flap and Tenzel flap. Patients were followed-up every 3 months for at least 1 year. During every preoperative and postoperative check-up, palpebral fissure height, levator function, margin reflex distance, and presence of lagophthalmos were measured. Results Histopathological examination revealed a Merkel cell carcinoma in two cases and a Basal cell carcinoma in one case. Postoperatively, all patients showed a stable reconstructed upper eyelid with preserved motility and satisfying aesthetic results when compared to the fellow eye. In one case, a lagophthalmos of 1.5 mm was observed, which was treated conservatively to prevent exposure keratopathy. Conclusion The eyelid switch flap combined with a bipedicled periosteal and a Tenzel flap is a good alternative for the reconstruction of total upper eyelid defects with the advantage of leaving the contralateral eye untouched. It achieves satisfying anatomical results, including an upper eyelid margin with eyelashes and well-matched skin color.