Purpose: To assess surgical outcomes of lower lid reconstruction surgery using auricular conchal
tissue.
Methods: This prospective study included 20 patients that underwent reconstructive lower lid surgery
using autologous auricle chondral-perichondral graft tissue. Auricle tissue was used to provide
adequate support and protection with similar conjunctiva tarsal structures on overlying soft tissues in
patients with pathologic inferior lid tissue loss requiring reconstructive surgery. Biopsies with
histopathology and cytology analysis were taken after 1 year. Cytology analysis using CK 19 was used
to confirm newly formed conjunctiva overlying the graft.
Results: All patients showed no graft rejection. Surgical outcomes were generally good, with minimal
or no ocular complications. 16 of 20 patients had excellent results, showing good lid symmetry and
esthetics, minimal auricular discomfort, patient satisfaction and proper lid function. Surgical outcomes
were highly dependent on proper post-op conjunctiva formation. All patients were positive for CK 19,
thus indicating proper conjunctiva tissue formation.
Conclusion: Lower lid reconstruction surgery using auricular chondral-perichondral conchal tissue is a
good alternative in patients with neoplastic lesions. Autologous chondral-perichondral tissue provides
good functional and mechanical support in the reconstructed lid, thus reducing the risks of ectropion
and corneal exposure and ensuring a protected ocular surface.
