Lid Reconstruction Using the Porous Polyethylene (Medpor(R)) Sheet

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of porous polyethylene (Medpor(R)) sheet as a substitute material for tarsus in lid reconstruction of rabbits. METHODS: A nonrandomized animal study was conducted in 12 rabbits. The Medpor(R) sheet which has a 0.85 mm thickness with barrier surface was implanted in 6 rabbits, and the Medpor(R) sheet without barrier surface was implanted in the others. The full-thickeness eyelid defect which was one third size of eyelid were made in the center of eyelids, and then the Medpor(R) sheet substituted for tarsal plate was sutured with conjuctiva, muscle and skin. At 1, 2 and 4 weeks after implantation, the status of eyelid defect coverage and corneal injury were evaluated. RESULTS: At 1 and 2 weeks after implantation, the shape of eyelid was well maintained, but at 4 weeks, implanted Medpor(R) was exposed and dislocated. However, there was no injury of cornea. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Medpor(R) sheet which has a 0.85mm thickness was not useful as a substitute for tarsal plate because of incomplete fibrovascularization. The further study for the development of variable size, thickness and shape of Medpor(R) sheet is aquired.