Application of autogenous ear cartilage in eyelid reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To analyze the effect of autogenous ear cartilage in eyelid reconstruction. Methods Case analysis. From October 2006 to December 2013, totally 24 patients (24 eyes) of entire or greater than or equal to fifty percent blepharocoloboma after malignant palpebrae superior tumorectomy, admitted to Department of Ophthalmology in the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, were repaired with autogenous ear cartilage transplantation for the eyelid reconstruction. The autogenous ear cartilage was utilized for a substitude of tarsal plate. Eyelid tumors were removed completely, took the contralateral ear cartilage, made the length of 2 mm larger than the defect meibomian and equal width. The internal surface of ear cartilage was covered with remaining fornical conjunctiva and the external surface with orbicularis oculi and skin. Results All patients were followed up after operation for average 32.6 months. No reject reaction was found, catacleisis was fine and external appearance was satisfying. Conclusions The eyelid reconstruction with autogenous ear cartilage is available to keep eyelid reconstruction normal function and external appearance. Key words: Ear cartilage; Transplantation; Eyelid reconstruction; Blepharocoloboma