Transnasal or transglabellar semicircular flap for medial canthal reconstruction

To review the results of medial canthal reconstruction with the medial (transnasal or transglabellar) semicircular flap.

Medical charts of 38 patients who underwent the described procedure were reviewed. After tumor excision, a semicircular flap created along the nasal bridge or glabella was advanced to the canthal defect; if necessary, this flap was combined with other reconstructive methods.

The patients (19 male, 19 female; mean age, 66 years) had basal cell (n = 36) or squamous cell (n = 2) carcinomas. The mean tumor diameter was 9.2 mm (range, 3-21 mm). Tumor epicenters were in the midcanthal area in 21 patients (55%) and in the infra- or supracanthal areas in 17 patients (45%). After excision, 22 patients had only canthal defects, and 16 had an associated upper and/or lower eyelid defect. To cover the defect, the medial semicircular flap alone was used in 19 patients (50%) and in association with other flaps in 19 patients (50%). The excisional defect was primarily closed in 37 patients (97%). Flap necrosis or infection did not occur. During follow-up (range, 1-91 months; median, 19 months), 10 patients (26%) developed a total of 17 complications. Three patients (8%) required secondary surgery for eyelid reconstruction-related complications.

Transnasal or transglabellar semicircular flap may be a good alternative for medial canthal reconstruction. For large or complex defects, the medial semicircular flap can be combined with other periocular flaps. In the latter case, postoperative complications requiring secondary surgery may develop.