Reconstruction of giant full-thickness lower eyelid defects using a combination of palmaris longus tendon with superiorly based nasolabial skin flap and palatal mucosal graft

Abstract

Reconstruction of a full-thickness lower eyelid defect is challenging. We aim to use palmaris longus tendon to improve clinical outcomes in eyelid reconstruction. We generated a novel “three-layer structure” tissue by combination of palmaris longus tendon with superiorly-based nasolabial skin flap and palatal mucosal graft and applied in eyelid reconstruction surgery in 34 patients with significant full-thickness lower eyelid defects. The satisfaction scores were assessed in each patient to evaluate their cosmetic and functional outcomes in follow-up visits. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range, 6-24 months). Satisfactory results were obtained in 100% patients. No patients reported deformities, obvious scars at the donor sites, or abnormalities of hand function on the surgical side. Our results demonstrated that the three-layer structure incorporating palmaris longus tendon for the reconstruction of giant full-thickness defects in lower eyelid is an effective procedure with satisfactory long-term results.