Reconstruction of medial canthal region with orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap: Our experience

Abstract

Summary: Reconstructive surgery of the medial canthus is among one of the most challenging due to its complex anatomy and aesthetic features. In this area even the slightest deformity or asymmetry is noticeable. Reconstructive surgery of this anatomical region aims to restore the tissue defect ensuring an appropriate aesthetic and functional feature, restoring colour, thickness and consistency of the replaced tissue. Orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is an option to reconstruct the medial canthal region; in this paper the authors present their experience with orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap in 10 patients with medial canthal malignant lesions. The patients’ postoperative period was uneventful, the flaps usually showed some degree of temporary venous congestion during the first days after surgery, and any donor site morbidity was observed: no lid lag, ectropion, ptosis, or other eyelid deformity.This flap offers a similarity in texture, colour, and thickness to the recipient site and a negligible incidence of donor site morbidity, and it can be easily tailored to fit the shape of the soft tissue defect.

Keywords

• Reconstruction of medial canthal region
• Orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap
• Local flaps