Comparison of the aesthetic outcome and complication rate of reconstructive surgical procedures of the eyelid after basalioma excision

Background: The therapy of choice of the basalcellcarcinoma is the surgical removal often combined with soft-tissue reconstruction. Aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective aesthetic outcome and the complication rate in consequence of the chosen surgical procedure. Method: 57 patients formerly treated by surgery enclosing free grafts, Hughes flaps, interpolated flaps or primary wound closures were included. The patients were examined to evaluate possible surgery derived complications. Furthermore the aesthetic outcome was assessed by a questionnaire. Results: After an interpolated flap nearly 30% of the patients were without any complications and after a Hughes flap 21.4%. In contrast 43.8% of the patients after primary wound closure showed any complications and even 57% of the patients treated with a free graft. Concerning the aesthetic outcome 92.3% of the patients undergoing an interpolated flap were subjective satisfied or even very satisfied with their aesthetic outcome. Conclusion: Regarding the complication rate the free graft and the primary wound closure seem to be superior. On the contrary the interpolated flap demonstrated a considerable better estimated aesthetic outcome.