Secondary tarsoconjunctival graft: A modification to the cutler-beard procedure

Purpose: The Cutler-Beard procedure is a commonly used technique to reconstruct large upper eyelid defects. Eyelid retraction and entropion are common complications. To prevent these problems, the authors modified the traditional CutlerBeard procedure with secondary placement of an autologous tarsoconjunctival graft. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 2 patients with large upper eyelid defects necessitating upper eyelid reconstruction. The initial stage is unaltered. At the time of flap division, a tarsoconjunctival graft from the contralateral upper eyelid is sutured to the posterior surface of the newly constructed upper eyelid. Two patients underwent this procedure, and follow up was 4 and 23 months, respectively. Patients developed no postoperative complications, including entropion or retraction. Conclusions: This modification to the Cutler-Beard operation is a technically simple procedure that can restore a more anatomically correct eyelid and can prevent subsequent entropion or retraction. This technique is unique, offering 3 major advances: first, placing the graft at the second surgical stage; second, replacing the tarsus and conjunctiva with like tissue; and third, preserving a lip of conjunctiva to cover the edge of the newly reconstructed upper eyelid.