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Switch Flap for Upper Eyelid Reconstruction-How Soon Should the Flap Be Divided?
Tetsuji Uemura1, Tetsu Yanai1, Masato Yasuta1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|May 21, 2016
Summary
Upper eyelid reconstruction using the switch flap method effectively covers defects from malignant tumor excision. Early flap division (7-14 days) minimizes complications, improving patient outcomes in oncologic reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Review of upper eyelid reconstruction outcomes using the switch flap technique.
- Focus on defects resulting from malignant tumor excision.
- Study conducted at Saga University Hospital (2000-2014).
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the efficacy of the switch flap method for total upper eyelid reconstruction.
- Assess complication rates associated with early flap division.
- Determine optimal flap dimensions (B/A ratio) for successful reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 10 patients undergoing upper eyelid reconstruction with the switch flap.
- Analysis of preoperative and postoperative photographs for outcome assessment.
- Data collected on defect size, flap size, and flap division timing.
Main Results:
- Complete defect coverage achieved in all 10 patients.
- Mean defect width (A) 18.8 mm, mean flap width (B) 13.3 mm, mean B/A ratio 0.69.
- No flap loss, trichiasis, or corneal ulcer observed with flap division at 7-14 days.
Conclusions:
- The switch flap technique provides successful upper eyelid reconstruction after tumor excision.
- An optimized B/A ratio of 0.5-0.7 is achievable.
- Early flap division (7-14 days) reduces complication risk compared to conventional methods.
