Observations on surgical reconstructive management following the excision of malignant neoplasms of the eyelid and periocular area.

Background: The surgical treatment of malignant neoplasms of the eyelid and the periocular area, due to the complex structure of the eye protective apparatus, remains a difficult surgical problem. The aim is to reconstruct the missing tissue as precisely as possible, both from a functional and esthetic point of view. Postoperative disorders of eyelid function may considerably disturb both the functioning and the quality of life of the patients.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate 262 patients who had underwent operations related to malignant neoplasms of the eyelid and the periocular area, and to demonstrate which reconstruction methods for post-resection defects were the most advantageous in terms of functions and esthetics.

Material And Methods: The study was based on an analysis of the medical records of 262 patients. The analysis included the reconstruction techniques used, the patient's age, the sizes and locations of the primary skin cancer, any healing complications, and the distant esthetic and functional outcomes.

Results: Various types of flap procedures were the most frequently used techniques in the studied group of patients (66.8%). Single flaps were used in 83 patients, multiple flaps in 89 patients and complex flaps with a cartilage graft in 3 patients. Free skin grafts were used in 52 patients and were associated with complications in the form of partial necrosis. Complications during postoperative wound healing were observed in 18.3% of the patients. In 12 patients, the complications were associated with a local infection, in 15 patients with partial, marginal necrosis and in 8 patients partial wound breakdown after the transfer of the flap occurred.

Conclusions: The most frequently used mechanisms for correction and reconstruction of the deficits following the excision of the eyelid skin and periorbital malignancies included various flaps used in a total of 175 patients (66.8%).