Subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects.

AIM: To describe the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects and evaluate its outcomes.

METHODS: The clinical data of 23 patients (23 eyes) who underwent microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent eyelid tumor resection and one-stage microscopic reconstruction with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for anterior- or posterior-layer eyelid defects. The survival rate of the propeller flap, eyelid function and appearance, tumor recurrence rate, and patient satisfaction were evaluated after the surgery.

RESULTS: The patients consisted of 12 men and 11 women, aged 31-82y (mean, 58.9y). The longest follow-up time was 5y, and the shortest was 3mo. All the propeller flaps survived well. There was no significant difference in color and luster between the flap and adjacent tissues, and there was no dog ear phenomenon. No obvious scarring was observed. There were no obvious abnormalities of eyelid morphology or function, and no adverse complications such as exposure keratitis, entropion, ectropion, ptosis, and eyelid retraction. No tumor recurrence was found at the time of the last follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the surgical results.

CONCLUSION: The subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects has satisfactory outcomes in terms of eyelid function and esthetics, and merits clinical application.