The use of the orbital septum in inferior palpebral reconstruction: the pocket technique.
BACKGROUND
Surgery involving massive inferior palpebral demolition often imposes the use of free flaps for the reconstruction of the anterior and posterior lamellae.


OBJECTIVE
We describe a surgical technique which provides for the use of a homologous pedunculated elastic flap on which we wrap the free flap as in a pocket, in order to guarantee that the free flap itself takes root better.


METHODS
A study of 10 patients admitted to our hospitals for massive inferior palpebral demolition surgery between March 2002 and November 2004 was undertaken, and clinical records (age, sex, involved site of lesions, surgery technique) were accurately noted: in all patients we performed the 'pocket technique'.


RESULTS
The pocket technique has encouraged optimal attachment of the implanted free tissue, in absence of necrotic phenomena or tissue extrusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Reconstructive surgery of the inferior eyelid avails itself of consolidated techniques. In case of extreme tissue reduction, the variation we wish to suggest is simple to understand and easy to perform, significantly reducing inflammatory reaction and/or post-surgical rejection, allowing excellent aesthetic results.
Marabotti
Andrea
A
Ophthalmic Division, HMO Barbantini, Lucca, Italy. a.marabotti@tiscali.it
Cariello
Anna
A
La Mattina
Gian Carmelo
GC
Romani
Andrea
A
Giannecchini
Iacopo
I
Carena
Simonetta
S
Bedei
Andrea
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000637:transplantation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome