Pedicle flap can be cut shortly after primary lid surgery, study suggests

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Functional and esthetic outcomes after traumatic dehiscence of a Hughes flap were generally satisfactory, according to a study here. This suggests that elective division of the conjunctival pedicle can be performed relatively soon after uncomplicated primary reconstructive procedures, the study authors suggest.

Researchers with the Mayo Clinic identified eight patients out of about 100 who underwent unilateral lower eyelid reconstruction with a tarsoconjunctival flap over the course of a 15-year interval whose procedures were complicated by premature flap dehiscence resulting from accidental trauma 1 to 11 days after the initial surgery. Immediate surgical repair of the dehiscence was attempted in one case but the tissues opened within 1 day. Only one patient required secondary surgery; that patient had dry eye. Otherwise, the eyes were allowed to heal spontaneously with application of ointment as the only therapy.

The study is published in the October issue of American Journal of Ophthalmology.