Medial orbital wall reconstruction through subciliary approach: revisited

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Medial orbital wall defects often require reconstruction.
• The subciliary approach is a surgical technique used in orbital reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and complication rate of the subciliary skin-muscle flap approach for medial orbital wall reconstruction.
• To assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes following this surgical method.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 30 patients undergoing medial orbital wall reconstruction using the subciliary skin-muscle flap.
• Preoperative and postoperative ophthalmic assessments including diplopia evaluation and Hertel exophthalmometry.
• Use of resorbable polylactic acid or porous polyethylene sheets for orbital wall reconstruction.

Main Results:

• All cases of diplopia resolved within 6 months postoperatively.
• Hypesthesia improved in all patients within 3 months.
• No ectropion or visible scarring was reported at 6 months postoperatively; one case of enophthalmos resolved.

Conclusions:

• The subciliary skin-muscle flap approach is a safe and effective method for medial orbital wall reconstruction.
• This technique minimizes complications such as ectropion and lacrimal canaliculus injury.
• Satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes can be achieved with this surgical approach.