Surgical treatment of eyelid tumors

The following surgical drawings have been reproduced from GA Severin: "Severin's Veterinary Ophthalmology Notes" 3rd Ed, 1996. By the permission of Dr. GA Severin.

Small Tumor removal

a. Small tumor on upper eyelid.

b. Pie-shaped wedge removed from eyelid.

c. Foursided block removal is indicated for a larger tumor while maintaining a short incision.

d. The wound is sutured in the same way as for eyelid lacerations (figure of 8 suture).

Sliding H-flap for large tumor removal

a. Lower eyelid with large tumor. Lines represent where skin incision will be made. In this case, the skin and edge of the eyelid involved and the conjunctiva is normal. The normal conjunctiva will not be removed.

b. Undermining tumor starting at base of eyelid and dissecting towards eyelid margin. Normal conjunctiva is left in place.

c. Appearance of eyelid after tumor removal.

d. Removing triangular piece of skin with scissors.

e. Appearance of eyelid after all tissues removed. Flap has been undermined (shaded).

f. Flap pulled into place.

g. First two sutures placed along edge of lid.

h. Next two sutures are placed at the dogleg.

i. Skin sutures in place. Conjunctiva may be sutured to skin flap with continuous suture (not shown).