Pur­po­se:

To evaluate the surgical outcome of autogenic hard palate mucosal grafts (HPMGs) in full-thickness lower eyelid reconstruction following tumor excision.

Ma­te­ri­al and Met­hod:

The medical records of patients who had full-thickness lower eyelid tumor excision between 2005 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven patients who had HPMG for posterior lamellar reconstruction were included in the study. Graft complications like necrosis, contraction, excessive mucous discharge, and potential problems in the graft harvesting site and technique were evaluated.

Re­sults:

Seven eyelid reconstructions with HPMG were performed on 4 female and 3 male patients with an age range of 48 to 71 years at surgery. The patients were followed for 6 to 56 months. Two patients had inferior eyelid retraction - one of them was severe and the other one was mild. None of the patients had HPMG necrosis. Donor site haemorrhage occurred in two patients which was controlled with direct pressure and cauterization in the early postoperative period.

Dis­cus­si­on:

HPMGs have been the golden standard for the reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects. The main problem about these grafts is that the oral cavity is an unusual region for ophthalmologists with potential complications arising from the hard palate. Comprehension of the anatomy, proper surgical technique, and postoperative care can decrease the rate of these complications

Keywords: Hard palate grafts, eyelid tumors, eyelid reconstruction