Case 21 2026: Reconstructing the Challenging Eyelid: Hard Palate Graft and Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction in Gorlin–Goltz Syndrome

Miss Ketki Kaushal; Mr Oliver Bassett

Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery·Peer-reviewed, open-access surgical case reportsPeer-reviewed · Open access

Case 21 2026: Reconstructing the Challenging Eyelid: Hard Palate Graft and Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction in Gorlin–Goltz Syndrome · JPBRS

Case report

Case 21 2026: Reconstructing the Challenging Eyelid: Hard Palate Graft and Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction in Gorlin–Goltz Syndrome

Miss Ketki Kaushal, Mr Oliver Bassett

Published May 28, 2026934 views8 min read

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Abstract

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, also known as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant condition associated with pathogenic variants in the PTCH1 gene and dysregulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. A patient with longstanding disease presented with recurrent periocular basal cell carcinoma requiring Mohs excision, resulting in a large full-thickness lower eyelid defect. Reconstruction was performed using a hard palate graft for posterior lamella replacement and a radial forearm free flap with palmaris longus tendon sling for anterior lamella and structural support. Microvascular anastomosis to facial vessels was performed. This case highlights the reconstructive challenges of periocular defects in NBCCS and emphasises multidisciplinary management. Patient medical history A 59-year-old male with a longstanding history of Gorlin–Goltz syndrome (Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome) diagnosed in 1997 has been under multidisciplinary care involving dermatology, plastic surgery, oncology, and ophthalmology for multiple recurrent basal cell carcinomas. His medical history includes hypertension, iron deficiency anaemia secondary to diverticulosis, chronic gastritis with duodenal ulcer disease, and melanoma in situ of the right knee excised in 2016. He has undergone numerous treatments for cutaneous malignancies including repeated surgical excisions, Mohs micrographic surgery, topical therapies (5-fluorouracil and imiquimod), and reconstructive procedures. In 2012 he underwent Mohs surgery for an infiltrative basal cell carcinoma of the left lower eyelid. Over subsequent years, multiple lesions were treated across the face, temples, ears, forearm, and calf. Since April 2016 he has been managed with the He

Key learning points

Pearls

Key technical lessons from this case include:
Always reconstruct eyelids using lamellar principles - anterior and posterior lamella must be restored separately.
Hard palate grafts provide excellent tarsal substitute due to their rigidity and mucosal lining.
Radial forearm free flaps are ideal for periocular reconstruction because of their thin, pliable tissue.
Palmaris longus tendon slings restore eyelid suspension, reducing the risk of postoperative ectropion.
Ensure precise flap inset and tension control to preserve eyelid contour and function.
Meticulous microvascular technique is essential for flap survival in delicate periocular reconstruction.

Pitfalls

Common challenges and complications include:
1) Ectropion due to inadequate eyelid suspension.
2) Flap bulkiness leading to poor eyelid contour.
3) Donor site morbidity following radial forearm flap harvest.
4) Corneal exposure and keratopathy if eyelid support is insufficient.
5) Compromised vascular anastomosis due to vessel scarring from prior surgery.
6) Recurrence of basal cell carcinoma, particularly in patients with Gorlin–Goltz syndrome.
Careful operative planning and multidisciplinary management are essential to minimise these risks.

Patient history

A 59-year-old male with a longstanding history of Gorlin–Goltz syndrome (Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome) diagnosed in 1997 has been under multidisciplinary care involving dermatology, plastic surgery, oncology, and ophthalmology for multiple recurrent basal cell carcinomas. His medical history includes hypertension, iron deficiency anaemia secondary to diverticulosis, chronic gastritis with duodenal ulcer disease, and melanoma in situ of the right knee excised in 2016. He has undergone numerous treatments for cutaneous malignancies including repeated surgical excisions, Mohs micrographic surgery, topical therapies (5-fluorouracil and imiquimod), and reconstructive procedures. In 2012 he underwent Mohs surgery for an infiltrative basal cell carcinoma of the left lower eyelid. Over subsequent years, multiple lesions were treated across the face, temples, ears, forearm, and calf. Since April 2016 he has been managed with the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor Vismodegib with intermittent dosing. He later developed cicatricial ectropion of the right lower eyelid following prior tumour excisions, previously managed with a Hughes flap. In 2024 he underwent Mohs excision for recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the right lower eyelid, leaving a large full-thickness defect that required complex reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap. He continues long-term surveillance due to ongoing risk of tumour recurrence.

Examination

Clinical examination revealed a large post-Mohs full-thickness defect of the right lower eyelid involving:
1) Loss of anterior and posterior lamella
2) Extension to the conjunctival fornix
3) Involvement of the lateral canthus
4) Partial involvement of the medial canthal ligament
Additional findings included:
1) Periocular scarring from previous excisions and reconstructive procedures
2) Evidence of prior eyelid reconstruction including Hughes flap
3) Multiple healed scars across the facial region consistent with repeated treatment of basal cell carcinomas
Ocular examination confirmed:
1) Adequate globe protection
2) No obvious corneal exposure or ulceration
3) Intact extra-ocular movements
4) Acceptable visual acuity
The defect involved greater than 75% of the lower eyelid, requiring reconstruction of both lamellae and restoration of eyelid suspension.

Pre-operative considerations

Key factors considered during operative planning included:
1. Defect size and lamellar loss - Large full-thickness eyelid defects require separate reconstruction of anterior and posterior lamellae.
2. Previous surgery and scarring - Prior procedures limited local reconstructive options and increased the need for vascularised tissue transfer.
3. Structural support - Loss of tarsus and canthal support required tendon-based suspension to prevent postoperative ectropion.
4. Oncological clearance - Complete tumour removal using Mohs micrographic surgery was essential before reconstruction.
5. Donor site suitability - The radial forearm free flap was selected due to its: Thin pliable tissue, reliable vascular pedicle, ability to include palmaris longus tendon.
6. Multidisciplinary planning - Close collaboration between dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery teams was required.

References

Post-operative plan

Short-Term Management (First 1–2 Weeks):
1) Flap Monitoring - Regular free flap observations (colour, capillary refill, temperature, turgor, Doppler).
2) Haemodynamic Support - Maintain systolic BP >100 mmHg, monitor urine output and ensure adequate hydration.
3) Medications - LMWH 40 mg daily for VTE prophylaxis, broad-spectrum antibiotics for 5–7 days.
4) Ocular Care - Lubricating eye drops and ointment to prevent corneal exposure. Ophthalmology review if needed.
5) Wound Care - Topical antibiotic ointment to eyelid reconstruction site, monitor radial forearm donor site and skin graft.
6) Oral Donor Site Care - Soft diet and antiseptic mouth rinses following hard palate graft harvest.

Long-Term Management:
1) Functional Assessment
2) Regular review of eyelid position, lid closure, and ocular protection.
3) Scar and Flap Monitoring - Assess flap contour, scar maturation, and need for revision procedures.
4) Donor Site Follow-up - Monitor radial forearm donor site healing and function.
5) Oncological Surveillance - Lifelong dermatologic follow-up due to risk of recurrent BCCs in Gorlin–Goltz syndrome.
6) Multidisciplinary Care - Ongoing follow-up with plastic surgery, dermatology, oncology, and ophthalmology.

How to cite this article

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Case 21 2026: Reconstructing the Challenging Eyelid: Hard Palate Graft and Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction in Gorlin–Goltz Syndrome

Abstract

Key learning points

Patient history

Examination

Pre-operative considerations

References

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Step 1 — Defect of The Right Lower Eyelid After Debridement.

Step 2 — Preoperative Planning and Marking for Radial Forearm Free Flap Harvest

Step 3 — Pre-harvest Marking of The Hard Palate

Step 4 — Inset Of Radial Forearm Free Flap Into The Defect

Step 5 — Harvested Hard Palate Graft

Step 6 — Immediate Post-operative Appearance Before Extubation

Step 7 — Post Op Photo

Step 8 — Post Op Photo

Step 9

Step 10

Post-operative plan

Pearls

Pitfalls