Hemi-orbicularis oculi switch flap for upper eyelid defects.
BACKGROUND
The technique chosen to reconstruct anterior lamellar defects of the upper eyelid requires careful consideration. We modified pre-existing techniques used to reconstruct anterior lamellar defects after tumour resection and have called this procedure a hemi-orbicularis oculi switch flap.


METHODS
This musculocutaneous flap is elevated with underlying orbicularis and its base abuts the anterior lamellar defect. The flap, which is half the height of the defect, is elevated and inset to cover the defect. Then, taking into consideration the extensibility of upper eyelid skin, the remainder of the defect and the donor site are closed directly.


RESULTS
Five patients with basal cell carcinoma, haemangioma, and xanthoma of the upper eyelid were treated by this method. All flaps survived and complications were minimal. Aesthetically and functionally good results were obtained by this method.


CONCLUSIONS
We have developed a surgical method for the reconstruction of anterior lamellar defects of the upper eyelid. The proposed method is technically simple and safe and provides consistent results for a potentially wide variety of upper eyelid tumours.
Hayashi
Ayato
A
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Juntendo Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka, Japan. ayato@rb3.so-net.ne.jp
Komuro
Yuzo
Y
Koga
Yukiko
Y
Myckatyn
Terence M
TM
Terence
Myckatyn M
MM
Yanai
Akira
A
D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014973:Xanthomatosis / Q000601:surgery