Management of peri-ocular skin tumours by laissez-faire technique: analysis of functional and cosmetic results.

Abstract

AIM:

The role of wound healing by secondary intention in the treatment of peri-ocular skin tumours is not well established. The object of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcome of patients treated by the Laissez-faire technique in situations where primary closure would not have been possible.

METHODS:

Skin defects following excision of lid and peri-ocular tumours in 24 Caucasian patients were allowed to heal by granulation. The locations included lower eyelid (n = 10), upper lid (n = 6), medial canthus (n = 5), nasojugal fold (n = 2), lateral canthus (n = 1) and brow (n = 1). Four patients had lid margin involvement. The size of the initial defect, time taken to heal, discomfort during healing, the functional and cosmetic results-both from the surgeon and patient perspective, complications, secondary intervention if any and patient satisfaction were studied.

RESULTS:

A good functional and cosmetic result was obtained in 23 of the 25 lesions (92%). Of these 23 patients, two patients had slightly hypertrophied scars, which responded well to massage and two patients had some degree of ectropion. Of the two patients who did not have a good cosmetic result, only one needed secondary intervention. One had an exuberant granulation tissue, which responded to topical steroids and massage, but left behind a distorted lateral canthus.

CONCLUSION:

Healing by secondary intention of large defects following excision of peri-ocular tumours is an effective alternative to primary or staged reconstruction in selected cases.

• Authors: J Shankar, R G Nair, S C Sullivan
• Journal: Eye (London, England) (Eye (Lond)) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 50-3 (Jan 2002) ISSN: 0950-222X [Print] England
• PMID: 11913888 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (surgery)
• Esthetics
• Facial Neoplasms (surgery)
• Female
• Granulation Tissue
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Postoperative Complications
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin Neoplasms (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Wound Healing