Transforming Skin Graft Success: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Custom Orbital Skin Graft Stent (COST) vs. Bolster Mold Technique
摘要
Orbital exenteration is a surgical procedure frequently performed for locally advanced malignancies, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid with orbital extension. This procedure leads to considerable tissue defects that require skin grafting for rehabilitation and the creation of a prosthesis placement socket. Achieving optimal graft uptake in these intricate anatomical regions can be difficult. This article highlights the effectiveness of a novel custom orbital skin graft stent and compares it with the traditional bolster mold technique in enhancing graft success rates. Twenty-five patients with eyelid tumors extending into the orbit underwent orbital exenteration. After excising the tumors, a bolster mold was placed in the orbital cavity for five days in 10 patients. In 15 other patients, custom orbital skin graft stents were placed on postoperative day one after removal of the bolster. Postoperative outcomes were monitored to assess graft uptake and potential complications, and the results were compared. In the Bolster Mold technique, 6 out of 10 patients achieved complete graft uptake, while in the Custom Orbital Skin Graft Stent (COST) technique, 12 out of 15 patients demonstrated successful graft integration, reflecting success rates of 60% and 80%, respectively. The cases of graft failure were attributed to multiple causes including infection, technical error, hematoma formation etc., which was effectively managed with conservative treatment. The custom orbital skin graft stent(COST) technique offers a reliable and anatomically tailored method to improve the success of skin grafts in post-orbital exenteration defects. Its simplicity, reproducibility, low cost, and high success rate make it a valuable addition to reconstructive strategies for complex orbital defects. Further research with larger groups of patients is needed to confirm these findings.