Impact of the type of anterior lamellar reconstruction on the success of modified Hughes procedure

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes in patients who underwent modified Hughes procedure with different types of anterior lamellar reconstruction for lower eyelid defects. Methods: This study included 58 patients who had undergone a modified Hughes flap for reconstruction of lower eyelids after tumor excision within a 10-year period. Data regarding patient demographics, size of eyelid defect, tumor pathology, surgical techniques, functional and cosmetic outcomes, and complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were evaluated according to the type of anterior lamella reconstruction (i.e., advancement flap or free skin graft). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors affecting the success of the procedure. Results: The average size of the lower eyelid defect was 22 ± 6.3 mm (range: 11-30 mm). The anterior lamella was reconstructed with advancement flaps and full-thickness skin grafts in 36 (58.6%) and 24 (41.4%) patients, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 23.6 ± 11.9 months. Postoperative complications included trichiasis (three patients; 5.2%), ectropion (two patients; 3.0%), flap necrosis (one patient; 1.7%), flap dehiscence (one patient; 1.7%), infection (one patient; 1.7%), and eyelid margin erythema (one patient; 1.7%). The rates of complication and secondary surgery were similar among the different types of anterior lamellar reconstruction (p=768 and p=0.139, respectively). Success of the modified Hughes procedure was not significantly affected by any of the identified risk factors (p>0.05). Functional and cosmetic outcomes were 96.6% and 94.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Modified Hughes procedure is a safe and effective option for the reconstruction of small and large defects of the lower eyelid, regardless of the type of anterior lamella reconstruction (i.e., advancement flap or skin graft).