Total or subtotal replacement of tarsal plate by novel silicone plate for upper eyelid reconstruction in malignant tumors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost, safety, surgical outcome, and efficacy of modified Cutler–Beard eyelid reconstruction utilizing a novel silicone plate as a tarsal plate replacement in the repair of 60% to 100% eyelid defects following the excision of large malignant tumors. METHODS: A prospective, noncomparative, interventional study of 30 eyes was done over 3 years. Fourteen patients were female, and 16 patients were male. In all the cases, a silicone plate, the synthetic, artificial tarsal plate, was utilized for a total or subtotal replacement of the tarsal plate. The created defect was measured in mm (length and width) and later expressed in percentage. Pre- and postoperative action of levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) was measured. Pre- and postoperative measurements of the margin-to-margin reflex distance (MRD1) were noted. RESULTS: Preoperative LPS action was 1.23 ± 1.35 mm, whereas postoperative LPS actions at the end of 1 week and 18 months were 11. 8 ± 0.88 mm and 13.53 ± 0. 73 mm, respectively. Preoperative MRD1 was − 3.0 ± 1.144 mm, whereas postoperative MRD1 values at the end of 1 week and 18 months were 2.18 ± 0.27 mm and 4.16 mm ± 0.35, respectively. The mean created defect after the removal of the tumor was 87.3% ±11.10. The mean length of the silicone plate implanted in this study was 27.53 ± 2.48 mm. The follow-up period for the study participants was 18 months. CONCLUSION: The synthetic novel silicone plate was successful as a tarsal plate replacement. A second surgical site for ear cartilage harvesting is avoided. Cadaver transfer of Achilles tendon carries the risk of transmission of communicable diseases, for example, hepatitis B and HIV. Silicone is an inert, nonreacting, and tissue-tested material, thus eliminating the possibility of graft rejection. This material is readily available and cost-effective. The novel silicone plate is considered to be the most promising alternative material as a tarsal replacement in the future generation.