Long-Term Outcomes of Acellular Dermal Allograft as a Tarsal Substitute in the Reconstruction of Extensive Eyelid Defects.

PURPOSE

To report the long-term outcomes of using acellular dermal allograft (ADA) as a tarsal substitute for reconstruction of large full-thickness eyelid defects where ipsilateral or contralateral eyelid donor tissue was either not available or tarsoconjunctival transfer was insufficient to cover the full extent of the defect.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a consecutive series of 10 patients between May 2003 and April 2012. Main outcome measures were anatomical and functional outcomes and complications.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 4 males and 6 females with a mean age of 48.1 years (range 31-64 years). Indications for reconstruction were extensive full-thickness eyelid defects (upper or lower or both) resulting from tumor excision (n = 6), traumatic eyelid defect (n = 2), electrical burn (n = 1), and eyelid necrosis (n = 1). The mean postoperative follow-up was 84.3 months (range 33-164 months). The reconstructive procedure included a variety of techniques using ADA as the posterior lamellar graft. Overall, 7 patients achieved excellent anatomical, cosmetic, and functional results. Reoperation was required in 3 patients (for postoperative upper lid retraction, upper lid entropion, and lower fornix reconstruction) despite acceptable initial results. There were no intraoperative complications, postoperative allergic or immunologic rejection associated with the use of allograft, nor any long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSION

The extensive upper and lower eyelid defects with large vertical component can be successfully repaired using ADA as a tarsal substitute. The results of our study with long-term follow-up indicate excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes with minimal morbidity.