Conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting: a modified Hughes procedure for large full thickness upper and...

To investigate the suitability of a modified Hughes procedure, which consists of conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting in reconstructing large full thickness upper and lower eyelid defect.

Patients with full thickness eyelid carcinoma involving more than 50% margin length who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed in the study. The defects were reconstructed using conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting, covered with myocutaneous flap above. Followed-up time ranged from 12 to 24mo. Outcomes were classified as "good", "fair", and "poor" by evaluating the margin appearance, eyelid appearance, and complications.

A total of 42 patients were enrolled in the study (26 males, 16 females, mean age, 68.6±7.7y, range: 53 to 82y). The mean defect widths measured 23.2±2.9 mm (range, 17 to 28 mm). The mean posterior lamellar defect height was 5.5±1.3 mm (4 to 8 mm). Thirty-seven patients had a "good" outcome (88.1%), 5 patients had a "fair" outcome (11.9%), and no one had a "poor" outcome.

Conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting and myocutaneous flap grafting is an effective procedure in reconstructing large full thickness upper and lower eyelid defect. It can not only achieve satisfied reconstruction, but also preserve intact tarsal plate of the opposite eyelid, avoiding retraction or entropion.