Effects of Medpor® Sheet as Substitute for Tarsus in Eyelid Reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: To report a simple surgical technique for rebuilding the palpebral tarsal plate using a Medpor sheet. The formation of a palpebral tarsal plate is very important in the reconstruction of the eyelid. Transplantation of cartilaginous tissue is often necessary to create the palpebral tarsal plate. However obtaining enough cartilaginous tissue is difficult. Case summary: Eyelid reconstruction and surgical resection of each lesion was attempted on two patients clinically diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma between August, 2006 and November, 2007. Reconstruction was performed using a modified Cutler-Beard method or the sebaceous gland carcinoma that occurred in the upper eyelid, and a modified Tenzel semicircular rotational flap procedure was used or the basal cell carcinoma that occurred in the lower eyelid. For the reconstruction of tarsus, 0.45 mm Medpor sheet was used. Complications, such as shortage of eyelid movement, dragging of eyelid or unstable eyelid margin, did not occur after the operations in either subject. In the case of the upper eyelid reconstruction, the eyelid became stiff at the early stage, but the condition improved after 6 months. Conclusions: The reconstruction of the palpebral tarsal plate using a Medpor sheet is considered an effective and safe technique for the reconstruction of an eyelid.