title: Lower lid reconstruction utilizing auricular conchal chondral-perichondral tissue in patients with neoplastic lesions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess surgical outcomes of lower lid reconstruction surgery using auricular conchal tissue.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study included 20 patients that underwent reconstructive lower lid surgery using autologous auricle chondral-perichondral graft tissue. Auricle tissue was used to provide adequate support and protection with similar conjunctiva tarsal structures on overlying soft tissues in patients with pathologic inferior lid tissue loss requiring reconstructive surgery. Biopsies with histopathology and cytology analysis were taken after 1 year. Cytology analysis using CK19 was used to confirm newly formed conjunctiva overlying the graft.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients showed no graft rejection. Surgical outcomes were generally good, with minimal or no ocular complications. 16 of 20 patients had excellent results, showing good lid symmetry and esthetics, minimal auricular discomfort, patient satisfaction and proper lid function. Surgical outcomes were highly dependent on proper post-op conjunctiva formation. All patients were positive for CK19, thus indicating proper conjunctiva tissue formation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lower lid reconstruction surgery using auricular chondral-perichondral conchal tissue is a good alternative in patients with neoplastic lesions. Autologous chondral-perichondral tissue provides good functional and mechanical support in the reconstructed lid, thus reducing the risks of ectropion and corneal exposure and ensuring a protected ocular surface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Santa Maria della Misericordia," Piazzale S. Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Camillo
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Parodi
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Calligaris
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Biasio
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Maglio
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Miani
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zeppieri
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D053539:Keratin-19 / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D053539:Keratin-19