A novel technique for full thickness medial canthal reconstruction; playing with broken lines

PURPOSE To introduce a new modification of transposition flap technique for reconstruction of the medial canthal region. METHODS This prospective study included 58 patients with the full thickness involvement of both upper and lower lid in the medial canthal area. Reconstruction of posterior lamella was performed by utilizing periosteal flaps and tarsoconjunctival grafts, and anterior lamellar reconstruction was performed using transposition of multiple full-thickness skin flaps, a modified form of rhomboid flap technique. Post-surgical outcomes, advantages, and drawbacks of this technique are discussed. RESULTS Between 2010 and 2014, 58 patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), proven by histopathologic study, underwent medial canthal reconstruction. The mean age was 72.8 ± 8.3 years. In 30 patients, the lacrimal apparatus was excised, and periosteal flaps or tarsoconjunctival grafts were prepared to reconstruct the posterior lamella. Anterior lamellar reconstruction was performed in all patients, and the mean number of transposition flaps was 3.63 in addition to the blepharoplasty flap. Patients were followed for 24 months. None of the patients developed flap necrosis or other intraoperative and postoperative complications, with acceptable aesthetic and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION Full-thickness reconstruction of the medial canthal area by utilizing periosteal flaps and modified transposition flap technique all in one session can be considered an alternative method in medial canthal reconstruction, with acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes.