Histology of partial thickness double composite eyelid graft

Double composite grafting is a technique used in the repair of large (greater than 75%) eyelid defects due to tumor resection, trauma, or congenital coloboma. The procedure utilizes two partial thickness composite grafts derived from two unaffected lids. The skin defect is covered by a pedicle skin graft to provide an adequate blood supply. This is thought to be superior to revascularization occurring from the margin of the graft alone. We examined histologically the lid margins of two such grafts 2 and 9 months postoperatively. Each demonstrated scarred tarsus and absent meibomian glands. One of the two grafts had loss of cilia. The architecture of the graft tissue otherwise was preserved.