[Eyelid reconstruction after removal of tumours, using chondroperichondrial grafts from auricular concha]

The main goal in reconstruction of the full thickness defects of the eyelids after tumour resection is the reconstitution of the tarsal plate as supportive layer of the lid.

We report a simple, one stage reconstruction procedure of repairing the eyelid internal lamella.

The chondroperichondrial graft from auricular concha was used to reconstruct the tarsoconjunctival layer in nine patients with surgical defects following excision of skin cancer. Local cutaneous flaps were used to reconstruct the external lamella.

All grafts appeared completely without reabsorption, healing of the wounds was rapid. Epithelialization on the perichondrium from the surrounding conjunctiva occurred between 2 and 3 weeks. The functional and aesthetic results were judged as very good in seven patients after reconstruction of the lower eyelid. One patient after reconstruction of the upper eyelid has good result too. The last patient needed secondary very extensive operation because of the tumour recurrence.

Conchal chondroperichondrial free graft provides simple, one-stage reconstruction of the lower and upper eyelid. Perichondrium substitutes the conjunctiva in early postoperative period and it makes epithelialization possible.