Abstract
Purpose :
Standard surgical approaches to the fornix have some limitations regarding surgical exposure. A surgical approach for lesions involving the forniceal conjunctiva is presented.
Methods :
A retrospective chart review of 21 patients with malignant conjunctival tumors that underwent surgery via the open-book technique (OBT) between 2013 and 2018, was performed. Before excising the lesion, a canthotomy and a cantholysis were performed. Subsequently, the eyelid, now free from the orbital attachments, could be everted as an “opened-book” allowing excellent exposure for excision and reconstruction.
Results :
Complete resection of lesions was achieved in 100%, with no recurrences. The complications reported were suture granuloma (2 cases/ 9.9%), lateral canthus dehiscence (1 case/4.4 %), and symblepharon in (2 cases/9.9%). Overall, 90% of patients had great outcomes.
Conclusions :
The open-book technique improved access for both resection and reconstruction of the fornix. Minimal morbidity occurred secondary to the extra surgical steps.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.