Reconstruction of the tarsus-conjunctival layer using a venous wall graft.
OBJECTIVE
The repair of full-thickness defects of the eyelids poses a challenge, because the reconstruction of the tarsus-conjunctival layer often results in aesthetically and functionally unsatisfactory outcomes. The authors' aim was to create a new method to repair large tarsus-conjunctival losses and to examine the outcomes of its use.


METHODS
Seven patients with invasive carcinoma of the eyelids underwent a venous wall graft.


RESULTS
All patients had good to outstanding results and no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
This new reconstruction of the deeper layer of the eyelid provides a useful alternative to traditional methods (composite grafts and full-thickness flaps). Our new surgical technique is easy to execute and has good functional and aesthetic results.
Barbera
Cesare
C
Division of Dermatology, Department of Surgery, Hospital of Biella, Azienda Sanitaria Locale of Biella, Italy. dermabiella@libero.it
Manzoni
Roberto
R
Dodaro
Lucio
L
Ferraro
Monica
M
Pella
Paolo
P
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*