McGregor flap: an alternative for lower eyelid and periorbital region reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Lower eyelid reconstruction is a challenge for plastic surgeons. It requires knowledge of various surgical techniques and anatomy. In 1973, McGregor published the lateral periorbital zetaplasty technique, which proved to be an excellent alternative within the therapeutic reconstructive arsenal. The objective is to demonstrate the clinical applicability of the McGregor flap as an option for reconstruction of lower eyelid and periorbital region defects. Methods: In this retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study, seven patients underwent excision of cutaneous malignant tumors of the lower eyelid and adjacent regions and reconstruction using the McGregor flap between April 2010 and October 2016 at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Hospital Felício Rocho, Belo Horizonte, MG. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 38 to 79 years, with an average of 65.4 years. Five of the seven patients (71.4%) were women. At the anatomopathological examination, 85.7% of the cutaneous tumors were basal cell carcinoma, and 14.3% (n = 1) were adnexal microcystic carcinoma. Four patients underwent Mohs micrographic surgery for excision of the lesions. In one patient, the Matsuo technique was used for palpebral reconstruction of the posterior lamella. In the follow-up averaging 36.3 months, the conditions of the six patients (85.7%) progressed well without complications, with satisfactory results; one patient developed postoperative ectropion owing to the deformation of the cartilage graft of the ear used in the reconstruction. Conclusion: The McGregor flap presented adequate clinical applicability, making it an excellent alternative for reconstruction of lower eyelid defects and adjacent tissues with good aesthetic and functional results.

Keywords

• surgical flaps
• reconstructive surgical procedures
• eyelids