Improved Tumor Resection on the Palpebral Margin.

OBJECTIVE

To resect benign tumors on the palpebral margin using an improved minimally invasive surgery, and to observe the outcome and analyze the possible healing mechanism of this improved surgical technique.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with a benign tumor on the palpebral margin measuring 2- to 10 mm in diameter were included in this study. The tumors were resected along their edge and basal layer, causing minimal damage to the surrounding structures. Postoperative outcome measures included the following: the wound status, epithelial healing, eyelash growth, recurrence, and complications. Postoperative follow-up time points were 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months.

RESULTS

The wound status ranged from edema to contraction in the early stage postoperatively. The eyelashes that were excised during the operation began to grow from 7 to 14 days postoperatively, and the epithelium began to close simultaneously. From 14 days to 3 months postoperatively, the eyelash and epithelium grew completely, and the scar disappear gradually. Except in 1 patient with trichiasis at 3 months and one patient with tumor recurrence at 12 months postoperatively, there were no other complications, such as ablepharon deformities, alopecia palpebralis, etc. CONCLUSION:: Our improved minimally invasive technique not only resected the tumor effectively but also preserved the important anatomical structure of the palpebral margin. The favorable outcomes resulted from the mechanism of wound healing. This new surgical method is worth implementing in clinical practice.