Long-Term Evaluation of Tumor Removal at the Eyelid Margin Using a Radio-Frequency Electrosurgical Unit

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term follow-up results of the eyelid margin tumor resection using a radio-frequency electrosurgical unit. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 53 patients (55 eyes) diagnosed with eyelid margin tumor and who underwent eyelid tumor resection using a radio-frequency electrosurgical unit more than 5 years prior. Age, gender, undergoing a biopsy, recurrence,- and complications were examined through phone questions and the out-patient department. RESULTS: The study included 23 eyes of 22 males and, 32 eyes of 31 females, (age range 8.6-76.8 years). Surgical success rate was 95% (52 of 55 eyes) and mean follow-up period was 8.9 years. Thirty-four of 55 patients underwent a biopsy, and the most common cases were intradermal nevus and compound nevus (13 cases each), 2 cases of basal cell carcinoma (5.9%), 2 cases of actinic keratosis (5.9%), and, 2 cases of chronic inflammation (5.9%). Other cases included 1 case of squamous papilloma (2.9%) and 1 case of fibrosis (2.9%). There were 3 cases of recurrence. Eyelash-related complications after surgery occurred in 3 cases of trichiasis or distichiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid margin tumor resection using a radio-frequency electrosurgical unit is simple and showed high success rate. Additionally, it is considered as an effective method in the eyelid margin tumor resection due to low recurrence and complication rates in the long-term follow-up.