[Reconstruction of the medial canthal eyelid. Methods, problems and outcome]

Histologically controlled excision of medial canthal eyelid tumors often creates large skin defects, which may be closed by various reconstruction techniques.

To obtain information about indications for surgery, complications, and esthetic and functional results we analyzed 39 of our patients who underwent surgery in this area between August of 1995 and January 1998.

Four small defects were closed primarily. A free full-thickness skin graft was used in 15 patients with a medium-sized defect, and 18 patients with large defects were handled by a local rotation or transposition flap. Granulation was left to occur spontaneously in two patients in poor general health. No tumor recurrences were seen. The functional and esthetic results were good. After 3 months free transplants and rotational flaps had healed in well. Increased scarring with mild medial ectropion was seen in five patients with rotation flaps. Patients who were left to spontaneous granulation required a more intensive and longer local treatment.

For the reconstruction of medial canthal defects after tumor excision, free skin transplants were used for small to medium, and rotation flaps for large defects. These are successful procedures with good functional and esthetic results. Spontaneous granulation is an acceptable therapeutic alternative for patients in poor general health.