The eyelid reconstruction in situ with allograft acellular dermal matrix

Abstract

To explore the clinical value of allograft acellular dermal matrix in the treatment of eyelid defects. From November 2001 to November 2002, 10 patients (8 male and 2 female; age varied from 14 to 47) with 11 eyelids were treated by eyelid reconstruction in situ with implantation of 1 mm thick allograft acellular dermal matrix. In 11 eyelids with defects, 2 was totally defect, 8 was 2/3 defect, 1 was 1/3 defect. In these 10 patients, 9 were injured and 1 was congenital. These defective eyelids included 8 upper lids, 1 lower lid and 1 case with both upper and lower lids. The average follow-up time was 8 months. In the follow-up periods, the inflammation of the eyelid was slight and no implants shedding or infection happened postoperatively. The conjunctiva grew well on the surface of the acellular dermal matrix. Histology examination showed neovascularization and presence of fibroblasts in the acellular dermal matrix 6 months after the operation. By the end of the follow up period, the results were excellent in 8 eyelids, good in 2 eyelids and improved in 1 eyelid. The efficacy rate of this treatment was 91%. Acellular dermal matrix can be used as a substitute of the tarsus in supporting the eyelid, it invokes little immunological and inflammatory reaction, and therefore, it can act as a biological scaffold to guide the growth of collagen and neovascularization.