Management of peri-ocular skin tumours by laissez-faire technique: analysis of functional and cosmetic results.
OBJECTIVE
The role of wound healing by secondary intention in the treatment of peri-ocular skin tumours is not well established. The object of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcome of patients treated by the Laissez-faire technique in situations where primary closure would not have been possible.


METHODS
Skin defects following excision of lid and peri-ocular tumours in 24 Caucasian patients were allowed to heal by granulation. The locations included lower eyelid (n = 10), upper lid (n = 6), medial canthus (n = 5), nasojugal fold (n = 2), lateral canthus (n = 1) and brow (n = 1). Four patients had lid margin involvement. The size of the initial defect, time taken to heal, discomfort during healing, the functional and cosmetic results-both from the surgeon and patient perspective, complications, secondary intervention if any and patient satisfaction were studied.


RESULTS
A good functional and cosmetic result was obtained in 23 of the 25 lesions (92%). Of these 23 patients, two patients had slightly hypertrophied scars, which responded well to massage and two patients had some degree of ectropion. Of the two patients who did not have a good cosmetic result, only one needed secondary intervention. One had an exuberant granulation tissue, which responded to topical steroids and massage, but left behind a distorted lateral canthus.


CONCLUSIONS
Healing by secondary intention of large defects following excision of peri-ocular tumours is an effective alternative to primary or staged reconstruction in selected cases.
Shankar
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Glamorgan General Hospital, Ynynsmaerdy Llantrisant, Wales. jai.shankar@tesco.net
Nair
R G
RG
Sullivan
S C
SC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006097:Granulation Tissue; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing