Difficulties of nasocutaneous fistula repair, following lacrimal outflow system malignancy resection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of nasocutaneous fistula (NCF) development, following en bloc resection of lacrimal outflow system malignancies (LOSM), and describe the methods of surgical repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent resection of LOSM with reconstruction and post-treatment protocol at the University of Miami between 1997 and 2021. RESULTS: Of the 23 included patients, 10 (43%) developed postoperative NCF. All NCFs developed within one year of surgical resection or completion of radiation therapy. NCF was seen more frequently in patients who underwent adjuvant radiation therapy and those who had reconstruction of the orbital wall with titanium implants. All patients underwent at least one revisional surgery to close the NCF, including local flap transposition (9/10), paramedian forehead flap (5/10), pericranial flap (1/10), nasoseptal flap (2/10), and microvascular free flap (1/10). Local tissue transfer, pericranial, paramedian, and nasoseptal forehead flaps failed in most cases. Two patients had long-term closure; one patient who underwent a paramedian flap and a second who underwent a radial forearm free flap, suggesting that well-vascularized flaps may be the most viable option for repair. CONCLUSIONS: NCF is a known complication, following en bloc resection of lacrimal outflow system malignancies. Risk factors for formation may include adjuvant radiation therapy and use of titanium implants for reconstruction. Surgeons should consider utilizing robust vascular-pedicled flaps or microvascular free flaps for repair of NCF in this clinical scenario.

Novel findings on the anatomy of medial canthus in dogs.

PURPOSE: Severe entropion of the medial canthus results in ocular surface diseases and tear staining syndrome. However, detailed anatomical structures of the medial canthus and lacrimal ducts in dogs are poorly understood. We aimed to understand the anatomical structures of the medial canthus by analyzing the distances from the medial palpebral commissure to the superior lacrimal punctum (DSP) and to the inferior lacrimal punctum (DIP) and by histological examinations of the medial canthal anatomy. METHODS: Dogs that underwent modified medial canthoplasty (MMC) between April 2017 and March 2021 were studied. As a reference, non-brachycephalic dogs that underwent other surgeries were also examined. DSP and DIP were measured preoperatively in all dogs in both the non-everted and everted positions. Histological examinations of the medial canthal anatomy were performed in four eyes isolated from beagles. RESULTS: The ratios of DIP to DSP (mean ± SD) at the non-everted and everted positions in 242 MMC eyes of 126 dogs were 2.05 ± 0.46 and 1.05 ± 0.13, respectively (p < .01). The ratios of everted to non-everted positions for DIP and DSP were 0.98 ± 0.21 and 1.93 ± 0.49, respectively (p < .01). Histological findings indicated that the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) circumjacent lacrimal canaliculus transformed into collagen fibers and were attached to the lacrimal bone. CONCLUSIONS: Histological studies revealed that the OOM circumjacent lacrimal canaliculus transformed into collagen fibers and these collagen fibers may be related to the difference between DSP and DIP.

Transnasal or transglabellar semicircular flap for medial canthal reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To review the results of medial canthal reconstruction with the medial (transnasal or transglabellar) semicircular flap. METHODS: Medical charts of 38 patients who underwent the described procedure were reviewed. After tumor excision, a semicircular flap created along the nasal bridge or glabella was advanced to the canthal defect; if necessary, this flap was combined with other reconstructive methods. RESULTS: The patients (19 male, 19 female; mean age, 66 years) had basal cell (n = 36) or squamous cell (n = 2) carcinomas. The mean tumor diameter was 9.2 mm (range, 3-21 mm). Tumor epicenters were in the midcanthal area in 21 patients (55%) and in the infra- or supracanthal areas in 17 patients (45%). After excision, 22 patients had only canthal defects, and 16 had an associated upper and/or lower eyelid defect. To cover the defect, the medial semicircular flap alone was used in 19 patients (50%) and in association with other flaps in 19 patients (50%). The excisional defect was primarily closed in 37 patients (97%). Flap necrosis or infection did not occur. During follow-up (range, 1-91 months; median, 19 months), 10 patients (26%) developed a total of 17 complications. Three patients (8%) required secondary surgery for eyelid reconstruction-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Transnasal or transglabellar semicircular flap may be a good alternative for medial canthal reconstruction. For large or complex defects, the medial semicircular flap can be combined with other periocular flaps. In the latter case, postoperative complications requiring secondary surgery may develop.

Value of ultrasound biomicroscopy in assessment of small masses at medial canthal region.

PURPOSE: Conventional imaging techniques are not sensitive enough to reveal detailed structures of lacrimal drainage system (LDS) and its surrounding tissue (ST). Our study aimed to explore utility of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in assessment of small masses at the medial canthal region and compare performance of UBM with conventional imaging techniques. METHODS: We prospectively recruited cases with small mass (long axis < 1 cm) at the medial canthal region (upper LDS-located area) from June 2017 to October 2018. UBM ± color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and conventional imaging techniques (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dacryocystography) were conducted by four independent practitioners. Results were analyzed against gold standards with Cohen's kappa test in three aspects including LDS patency, mass location, and presumptive diagnosis. Corresponding gold standards were syringe and dacryocystography, intraoperative findings, and pathological/empirical diagnosis. RESULTS: Seventy-two cases were recruited, including 20 cases of LDS lesions and 52 cases of ST lesions. Female (odds ratio 7.14) and age ≥ 37 (odds ratio 9.80) were risk factors for LDS lesion, and age range of 15-25 (odds ratio 9.17) was a risk factor for inflammatory ST lesion. In terms of LDS patency, UBM results were reliable for the detection of pre-saccal obstruction (kappa = 0.920), but were not reliable for intra-saccal and post-saccal obstruction (kappa = 0.106). In terms of mass location, the UBM (kappa = 0.766) performed better than conventional techniques (except for dacryocystography) to sort out ST lesions, with sensitivity of 93.8% and specificity of 83.3%. In terms of diagnosis, the UBM (kappa = 0.882) outweighed conventional techniques (except for magnetic resonance imaging) to distinguish cysts from nodules, with sensitivity of 93.8% and specificity of 94.4%. Notably, the UBM + CDFI achieved better performance than the UBM when screen out inflammatory lesions (kappa = 0.926 vs kappa = 0.689) and LDS-adjacent lesions (kappa = 0.815 vs kappa = 0.673), resulting in sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 100% for both testing items. If deep lesions (at the lacrimal sac-harbored area) were excluded, UBM reliability to detect inflammatory lesions (kappa = 0.915) and LDS-adjacent lesions (kappa = 0.770) improved, achieving sensitivity of 90.0% and 88.9%, and specificity of 100.0% and 92.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The UBM is a valuable tool to assess superficial masses at the medial canthal region regarding pre-saccal obstruction, mass location, and presumptive diagnosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This work was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website with registration number ChiCTR1800018956 .

Post-operative epiphora following the transcutaneous medial canthal incision.

PURPOSE: The safety profile of the transcutaneous medial canthal incision for access to the medial orbit is assessed with a focus on the risk of post-operative iatrogenic epiphora. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing medial orbitotomy via the transcutaneous medial canthal incision was performed. Patients with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up were included and post-operative complications were assessed and characterized. RESULTS: One-hundred-fifty patients were included in the study. A total of 4 complications were identified, including one each of the following: nasolacrimal duct obstruction, hypertrophic scar, suture granuloma and soft tissue infection. Only the nasolacrimal duct obstruction required surgical intervention. DISCUSSION: Access to the medial orbit has been achieved through a variety of approaches, each with their own benefits and risk profile. The transcaruncular approach has increased in usage as a means to avoid a visible cutaneous scar and decrease the risk of iatrogenic epiphora, however, there are specific patients who may have relative contraindications to this approach. The current study demonstrates the low risk profile of the transcutaneous medial canthal incision, specifically the minimal risk of iatrogenic damage to the nasolacrimal outflow system. This approach is another useful tool which orbit surgeons should be familiar with to offer as an option to patients requiring medial orbitotomy.

An original procedure for orbitonasal cutaneous infiltrative tumor repair, using combined forehead and melolabial propeller flaps.

INTRODUCTION: Resections of cutaneous tumors in the medial orbitonasal region can be transfixing. Repairs using a single local flap run the risk of failure and that of secondary sinonasal fistula, especially in cases of surgery on a radiated field. We propose an original and reliable repair procedure using two pedicled regional flaps vascularized by two distinct arterial systems clinched together to reconstruct the mucosal and cutaneous planes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A first melolabial propeller flap (MPF) with a superior perforating pedicle was elevated and the cutaneous side was sutured to the deep plane of the loss of substance (mucosal lining). A second homolateral or contralateral paramedian forehead flap (PFF) was then lifted and sutured over the first flap (superficial plane). The forehead pedicle flap was divided at 1 month. RESULTS: No trophic complication or failure was recorded on two patients. The 7-year carcinologic, aesthetic, and functional results were satisfying. CONCLUSION: This technique involving the superimposition of two local flaps, vascularized by two different arterial systems, appears to offer a simple and reliable repair technique for transfixing cutaneous losses of substance in the medial orbitonasal region. It could be used in the first-line treatment, particularly if an additional radiotherapy is to be performed.

Reconstruction of extensive medial canthal defects using a single V-Y, island pedicle flap.

The medial canthus represents one of the most challenging regions of the face to reconstruct due to the anatomical structures present, the concavity of the area, and the differences in skin texture. We present a case series of 11 patients whose defects were reconstructed with a single V-Y island pedicle flap running along the nasofacial sulcus. Our single-stage flap which modified and simplified a previously described technique achieves similar cosmetic and postoperative outcomes along with a high level of patient satisfaction in an area which can be reconstructed in a variety of ways, often with suboptimal results.

Management of periorbital basal cell carcinoma with orbital invasion.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common eyelid malignancy; however, orbital invasion by periocular BCC is rare, and management remains challenging. Established risk factors for orbital invasion by BCC include male gender, advanced age, medial canthal location, previous recurrences, large tumor size, aggressive histologic subtype and perineural invasion. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach with orbital exenteration remaining the treatment of choice. Globe-sparing treatment may be appropriate in selected patients and radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used as adjuvant therapies for advanced or inoperable cases, although the evidence remains limited. We aim to summarize the presentation and treatment of BCC with orbital invasion to better guide the management of this complex condition.

Lacrimal Sac, Classified within the Orbital Tissue.

PURPOSE: To disclose that the lacrimal sac is classified within the orbital tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten orbits of 9 Japanese cadavers aged 64 to 85 years at death were included. The attachment site of the orbital septum in the medial canthal area was grossly dissected. The relationship between the orbital septum attachment site and the location of the lacrimal sac was examined. RESULTS: In the upper region, the orbital septum was attached to the most superior area of the lacrimal fossa and the medial canthal tendon. In the lower region, the septum was attached to the anterior lacrimal crest and the medial canthal tendon. In both the upper and lower regions, none of the septa attached to the posterior lacrimal crest. The lacrimal sac was situated behind the orbital septum. CONCLUSION: The lacrimal sac, which is situated behind the orbital septum, is classified within the orbital tissue.

The lacrimal sac, which is situated behind the orbital septum attaching to the anterior lacrimal crest and the medial canthal tendon, is classified within the orbital tissue.

Bilobed flap reconstruction after en-bloc removal of solitary fibrous tumor of the lacrimal sac.

Purpose: To report a rare case of a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the lacrimal sac and discuss considerations for management of similar cases. Observations: We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with a primary lacrimal sac SFT for which she underwent en-bloc surgical resection. We discuss management options for SFTs and our surgical approach for this case: bilobed flap reconstruction of the medial canthus and inferior orbit. Conclusions: We present an uncommon presentation of a rare tumor and a successful one-stage reconstruction with a bilobed flap.

Long-term Surgical Outcomes in Patients of Centurion Syndrome: A Mystic Etiology of Epiphora in Young.

AIM: To describe the clinical features and long-term outcomes of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) release procedure in patients with Centurion Syndrome (CS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the diagnosed patients with CS from July 2013 to December 2019. CS was diagnosed clinically based on the anterior displacement of MCT, anterior dislocation of lacrimal punctum out of tear lake, prominent nasal bridge, beak sign, and synophyrs. All symptomatic patients were advised the anterior limb of MCT release with modified closure of the skin incision. The outcome measures were based on Munk's score (subjective) and the fluorescein dye disappearance test (objective). A minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months was an inclusion criterion. RESULTS: We studied 22 patients (44 eyes) having a median age of 14.5 years. Anteriorly displaced MCT and lacrimal punctum were noted in 44 eyes (100%), prominent nasal bridge in 20 patients (90.9%), beak sign in 36 eyes (81.8%), and synophyrs in 17 (77.3%) patients. All 44 eyes underwent MCT release with adjunctive punctoplasty (n = 6 eyes) or lower eyelid retractor plication (n = 4 eyes). At a mean follow-up of 12.6 months, 26 eyes (59.1%) showed complete response, i.e., negative FDDT and grade 0 Munk score. Partial response was noted in 14 (31.8%) eyes, i.e., delayed FDDT and reduction of ≥2 grades on Munk score. CONCLUSION: Along with the classic features of CS, beak sign and synophyrs are important diagnostic ophthalmic-facial features of CS. The transverse closure of surgical wounds may provide effective long-term benefits in the medial canthal tendon release procedure.

Medial Canthal Reconstruction - Scar Restricting Vision in Only Seeing Eye of a 75-year-old Female.

Scarring is a common post-injury outcome that can precipitate functional impairment. We present the case of a 75-year-old female who presented with diminished upper eyelid excursion in her right (only seeing) eye due to scarring associated with a facial laceration. She had a history of right eye corneal transplantation and necessitated urgent excision of the scar to release upper eyelid motion. The scar was excised, and a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) was used, harvested from the skin of the right supraclavicular neck. Post-operative recovery was excellent, and the patient was relieved of restriction of her right upper eyelid opening.

Long-term outcomes of a new anatomy-based method for finding the medial cut end during late canalicular repair.

BACKGROUND: Locating the medial cut end during late repair of canalicular lacerations can be challenging. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of a new anatomy-based method for solving the problem of locating the medial cut end. METHODS: This retrospective interventional study included 85 eyes of 85 consecutive adult patients with unilateral inferior canalicular lacerations who underwent late primary (≥2 days after injury) or secondary (≥6 months after initial treatment) surgery. Before surgery, the lacerations were classified as lateral, central, or medial according to the 'distance from the punctum to the distal end' of the lacerated inferior canaliculus. The time spent to locate the proximal lacerated end (TSL) was recorded. All patients were followed up for ≥1 year to evaluate the lacrimal passage patency and the distance between the superior and inferior punctum (DBSIP, to assess cosmesis). RESULTS: There were 16 (18.82%) lateral-type, 55 (64.71%) central-type, and 14 (16.47%) medial-type canalicular lacerations. The TSL was 3.48 ± 1.05 (range 0.9-6.8) min for all patients and differed significantly among the three types of canalicular lacerations (P < 0.001). Lacrimal irrigation showed patent lacrimal passages in 69 patients (81.18%) at 3 months and a further 4 patients (4.71%) at 6 months, residual stenosis without obstruction in 5 patients (5.88%), and obstruction in 7 patients (8.24%). The postoperative DBSIP on the affected side was shorter than the preoperative DBSIP (2.66 ± 0.66 vs. 3.09 ± 1.72 mm, P = 0.006) and comparable to that on the unaffected side (2.78 ± 0.40 mm). CONCLUSION: Our new anatomy-based method is efficient and achieves good long-term outcomes for all types of late canalicular repair.

Functional and Symmetry Outcomes After Forehead Flap Reconstruction of Medial Peri-Ocular Defects.

BACKGROUND: Orbital defects have a profound impact on orbital function and symmetry of the face and are difficult to reconstruct given the complexity of this area. The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) has not been well studied in reconstruction of orbital defects. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent reconstruction of periorbital defects with PMFF between 2016 and 2021. Variables were ocular adnexal asymmetry, functional outcomes, and orbital complications. RESULTS: Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria. Mean defect size was 11.1 ± 7.5 cm. The most common subsite involved was medial canthus in 88.9% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference between mean medial canthus to midline ratio and mean medial brow to midline ratio when compared to the assumed normal of 1. The medial canthus to pupil ratio and medial canthus to lateral canthus ratio had a statistically significant mean difference from 1.0 (p = 0.003 for both). In 22.2% of patients, the orbit was functional with impairment; the remaining had no impairment. Surgical sequelae occurred in 12/18 (66.7%) of patients, most commonly epiphora in 9/18 (50%) of patients, and ectropion in 5/18 (27.7%). CONCLUSION: The PMFF is feasible for medial periorbital reconstruction with acceptable functional and symmetrical outcomes and low morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2584-2589, 2023.

Retiform Hemangioendothelioma: A Rare Tumor in the Medial Canthus: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a rare vascular neoplasm with intermediate malignant potential mostly occurring in extremities. It is important to differentiate this neoplasm from malignant conditions as RH has a good prognosis. As it has a tendency to recur locally, it may be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor. Herein, we report a rare case of RH occurring in the medial canthus.

Glabellar superciliary bilobed flap for reconstruction of large medial canthus region defect.

The aim of this study was to describe a series of patients who have undergone a medial canthal reconstruction with a glabellar superciliary bilobed flap. A series of 30 patients were included with medial canthal defects after excision of medial canthal tumour who underwent reconstruction using a glabellar-superciliary bilobed flap of adjoining skin and subcutaneous tissue. Eighteen procedures were performed under local anaesthesia. The remaining 12 cases were combined with major lid reconstruction and performed under general anaesthesia. Complete closure of the defect, aesthetic outcome, complications, and re-operations were all used as outcome measures. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all cases without wound dehiscence. In all cases, the cosmetic appearance was highly satisfactory to the surgeons and patients and there were no intraoperative complications. The glabellar superciliary bilobed flap is an effective, quick, simple, and single-stage technique for medial canthal region reconstruction. It provides excellent cosmesis and is associated with minimal complications. It can be modified according to the nature of the periorbital skin, location, size, and depth of the defect.

Periocular Trichoblastoma: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

A 41-year-old woman presented with a large medial canthal lesion that extended over the midline. Excisional biopsy revealed a multinodular basaloid tumor, located within the dermis and subcutaneous fat that extended into skeletal muscle at the deep and peripheral margin. Histology was consistent with trichoblastoma. A review of the literature reveals a lack of specific and sensitive immunohistochemistry markers to establish the diagnosis of trichoblastoma. Following reconstruction, the patient has shown no signs of recurrence of the lesion at 24 months.

Epicanthus correction with a modified asymmetric Z-plasty.

The study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of the modified asymmetric Z-plasty with a central axis from the point near the edge of the skin fold of the medial canthus to the point of the innermost palpebral edge of medial canthus for epicanthus correction. A total of 130 followed-up patients who received modified asymmetric Z-plasty for epicanthus correction in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were included. All patients were followed up with at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, and the scarring and surgical outcomes were assessed. The results showed the surgical wounds were healing well, and the sutures were removed at 7 days postoperatively in all patients. At 6 months postoperatively, epicanthus correction was successful in all patients, the lacrimal caruncle was moderately exposed, the incision was not red, and there were no obvious prominent scars. Slightly prominent and uneven scars below the edge of the lower eyelid were observed in 3 patients. Among these 3 patients, 1 patient received no further treatment, and the outcomes were considered acceptable; the outcomes were improved in the remaining 2 patients after a single session of fractional laser treatment, and none of these patients received further surgery. In conclusion, the modified asymmetric Z-plasty with a central axis from the point near the edge of the skin fold of the medial canthus to the point of the innermost palpebral edge of medial canthus is relatively simple and provides good surgical results for epicanthus correction.

A Rare Orbital Pathology: A Large Orbital Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare sarcoma of the dermis. It is a malignant, locally aggressive, and infiltrative tumor with frequent recurrence. In this case, a 44-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of a swelling in the medial canthus of the right eye that caused tearing. Imaging revealed a septated mass isodense to soft tissue that had eroded the medial wall of the orbit. Macroscopic examination showed an elastic, gray-brown, encapsulated, irregular mass measuring 45x35x22 mm. The surgical margins were positive, so adjuvant radiotherapy was started. The patient was followed for 2 years without recurrence. According to the literature, this mass is the largest orbital DFSP treated by globe-sparing primary resection.

The Use of a Hemi Glabellar Flap for Reconstruction of Medial Canthus Defects.

BACKGROUND:  Medial canthal reconstruction is a challenging task due to its complex anatomy. The glabellar flap is a common viable technique; however, this results in narrowing of the eyebrows, bulky nasal dorsum horizontal scarring, which is aesthetically displeasing, and possible injury of the supratrochlear artery. Multiple variations have been proposed in the literature, which is often complex. In this paper, the senior author (AK) has developed an intuitive, simple technique by utilising half of the glabellar skin in 12 patients with good clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  A rotational advancement flap involving the upper lateral nasal wall with the hemi glabellar was formed and transferred to the medial canthal defect. The donor site was closed in a V-Y manner. Complete closure of defect was achieved in all patients. RESULTS:  Reconstruction using the hemi glabellar technique was performed on 12 patients following resection of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in or near the medial canthus area. Superficial cellulitis was noted in two patients; they were managed on oral antibiotics. Bruising was reported in seven patients which resolved spontaneously in 4-7 days. All patients had a good outcome at two months and six months follow up; there was no flap loss, and all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSION:  The technique highlighted in this article can be performed quickly and applies to the reconstruction of medial canthus defects with excellent aesthetic outcomes, an inconspicuous scar and supple skin with matching colour.