Lower eyelid and malar/palpebral groove reconstructions with a V-Y skin flap after skin tumor removal

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The most commonly used flaps for the reconstruction of the lower eyelid and malar/palpebral groove are cervicofacial flaps owing to their horizontal traction, which results in a lower risk of ectropion and canthal dystopias. V-Y skin flap is not often used for the fear of the vertical traction being transferred to the lower eyelid, which would lead to the occurrence of ectropion and dystopias. Our aim is to demonstrate that, if well executed, this flap may be a good option for reconstructions of this region.

Methods:

Sixty-eight eyelid reconstructions have been performed at the ACCamargo Cancer Center between December 2012 and May 2015. Of these, 29 patients underwent reconstruction of the lower eyelid or malar/palpebral groove using a V-Y skin flap after skin tumor removal.

Results:

Among the palpebral reconstructions, the most commonly used was the V-Y flap (29 cases, 42.6%). Two cases (6.9%) developed ectropion. No case of seroma, hematoma, infection, or partial loss of the flap has been observed.

Conclusion:

The V-Y flap is a good option for eyelid reconstruction when well indicated, designed, and executed, since it presents low complication rates and the possibility to be performed under local anesthesia. Therefore, this flap is a good choice for patients without the clinical conditions necessary to undergo surgery under general anesthesia.

Keywords:
Eyelids; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Skin neoplasms; Ectropion.