[Eyelid reconstruction with Fricke's flap: report of two cases]

Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in human beings and among them, basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent. This report shows two cases with this tumor, located in the lateral canthus, affecting both the superior and inferior eyelids. The first case was a female, 72 years old, with amaurosis of the right eye. One year ago, she noted a tiny papule at the left lateral canthus. The CT scan revealed that the tumor had compromised about 80% of the left superior eyelid, 70% of the inferior eyelid and showed superficial invasion of the lateral orbital wall. The histopathological test diagnosed basal cell carcinoma, with clear margins. The reconstruction of both eyelids was done with Fricke's flap. The second patient was a female, 68 years old, who had an accident with multiple scars at the left side of her face two years before. One year later, she noted a small lesion at the left side of the lateral canthus. The CT scan showed that the tumor had affected about 90% of the left superior eyelid, 65% of the inferior eyelid and showed superficial invasion of the lateral orbital wall. The histopathological test diagnosed basal cell carcinoma, with clear margins. The reconstruction of both eyelids was done with Fricke's flap. The authors believe that although this flap is not the first choice for a reconstructive procedure, it should not be forgotten because in some patients, it would be the only possible choice.