Versatile Application of the Upper Eyelid Myocutaneous Flap in Medial Canthal Reconstruction
Turkish Journal of Plastic Surgery, cilt.34, sa.4, ss.167-171, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 34 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.4103/tjps.tjps_12_26
- Dergi Adı: Turkish Journal of Plastic Surgery
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.167-171
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Local flaps, medial canthal reconstruction, orbicularis oculi flap, periocular reconstruction, upper eyelid flap
- Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objectives: – Medial canthal defects represent a challenging reconstructive problem due to the complex anatomy of the periocular region and its functional and esthetic significance. This retrospective case series aims to describe our institutional experience with the upper eyelid orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of medial canthal defects, with occasional extension to adjacent lateral nasal areas, using different pedicle configurations and flap orientations. Methods: – A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent reconstruction of medial canthal and adjacent periocular defects using upper eyelid orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flaps. Two pedicle types (muscle pedicle and skin–muscle pedicle) and two flap orientations (medially based and superomedially based) were applied according to defect characteristics. Outcomes were descriptively assessed in terms of flap survival, postoperative complications, eyelid function, and esthetic integration. No comparative or inferential statistical analysis was performed due to the heterogeneity and limited sample size. Results: – A total of 16 cases were included. All flaps demonstrated complete survival with satisfactory wound healing. Venous congestion was observed in a subset of cases and was managed conservatively. The flap provided adequate tissue match in terms of color, thickness, and texture in the periocular region. Differences in pedicle design and orientation appeared to influence intraoperative handling and postoperative congestion patterns, which are described descriptively in this series. Conclusions: – The upper eyelid orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap may represent a useful reconstructive option for selected medial canthal defects and adjacent periocular regions. Within the limitations of this retrospective case series, different pedicle types and flap orientations allowed successful reconstruction with acceptable functional and esthetic outcomes. However, further comparative studies with standardized outcome measures are required to better define its role in periocular reconstruction.