AIM: To observe the clinical effects of large orbital tissue defect reconstructed by different types of transfer flap, and to explore the skills of repairing the great defect of the orbital tissues.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 16 cases of malignant tumor extensively damaged eyelid, periorbital skin and orbital tissues, the large defect was reconstructed by transfer flap of the normal skin around the defect after controlled or extended excision the eyelid malignancies. And then, the full-thickness free skin graft on the upper arm or abdominal was used to repair the donor area. The survival situation of those flaps for 6 months was observed and the skills and types of flap related to the survival were analyzed.

RESULTS: Totally 12 of 16 cases were removed tumor by controlled resection, 4 cases accepted extended resection; the defect of 10 cases were reconstructed with forehead axile myocutaneous flap, 4 cases with subcutaneous pedicle flap, and 2 cases with folding flap. 12 patients accepted postoperative radiation therapy while the other 4 patients did not. Follow-up to six months after surgery, all flaps survived.

CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of huge orbital tissue defect by transfer flap is safe and effective.