Eyelid reconstruction according to Hubner's technique: About the use of 12 tarsomarginal grafts

Purpose. - The repair of full-thickness eyelid defect must fulfill multiple surgical requirements that are determined by the anatomical and functional features of the eyelids. Many reconstructive procedures are available, each and anyone of them presenting their own peculiar goals and constraints. Among them, we have tried to determine the place and the reliability of Hubner's tarsomarginal grafts. Patients and method. - Through a retrospective study of 11 patients treated with 12 grafts, over a period of 3 years, we evaluated our indications, technical principles and results of this procedure. Results. - The full-thickness eyelid defects represented between one quarter and three quarter of the marginal border length. They principally resulted from malignant tumors resection. In most of the cases, their management required a single graft, harvested on the contralateral homologous eyelid. Complications were minor and rare. Functional and aesthetical results were satisfactory. There was no functional sequel on the donor site. Conclusion. - Tarsomarginal grafts in eyelid reconstruction provide multiple advantages. With this simple and versatile technique, wide and complex eyelid repairs can be managed in a one-step surgery. This procedure is very reliable; it gives good functional and aesthetical results. Hubner's technique is a major tool in eyelid reconstructive surgery. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.