ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The posterior approach for ptosis, including the Fasanella-Servat procedure and Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR), has been proven effective for mild- to moderately affected patients whose levator muscle function remains relatively intact. Traditionally, MMCR was reserved for phenylephrine test-positive patients for whom various modifications and several nomograms have been developed. METHODS: We reviewed the literature for the Fasanella-Servat procedure and MMCR. The methods and results of the different modifications were analyzed and compared. Nomograms of these two procedures were summarized. RESULTS: MMCR mainly involved resection of Muller's muscle and conjunctiva in the original design by Putterman and co-workers. The suggested resection ranged from 8 to 9 mm for the achievement of the maximal effect produced by topical epinephrine. Perry included tarsectomy in his procedure and developed a new nomogram that included a 1:1 ratio of the ptosis correction to the amount of tarsus resection. The effect of tarsectomy for the Fasanella-Servat procedure in terms of eyelid elevation was approximately one-half the value seen in phenylephrine test-negative patients. We've performed MMCR with tarsectomy regardless of the response to phenylephrine with similar results to Perry. Surgical indications and possible complications of MMCR with tarsectomy for Asian patients are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: MMCR is an effective and simple method for the correction of ptosis. With baseline MMCR, the additional tarsectomy has proven to be a powerful tool for ptosis correction irrespective of phenylephrine test results.