The Efficacy of Fibrin Glue in Surgical Treatment of Conjunctivochalasis With Epiphora

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of fibrin glue used in conjunctival resection for conjunctivochalasis with epiphora. METHODS: Twenty-three patients (42 eyes) with conjunctivochalasis without nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent conjunctival resection using either absorbable sutures (11 patients, 20 eyes, Group 1) or fibrin glue (12 patients, 22 eyes, Group 2) to attach the conjunctiva to the sclera. Outcomes recorded were improvement of epiphora, postoperative discomfort, and operation time. Postoperative discomfort was analyzed only in one eye (right eye) in case that the both eyes were operated. RESULTS: Epiphora completely improved in 6 eyes (30%) in Group 1 and 8 eyes (36.4%) in Group 2, partially improved in 9 eyes (45%) and 8 eyes (36.4%), and did not improved in 5 eyes (25%) and 6 eyes (27.2%), respectively (p=1.000). On the first day postoperatively, postoperative eye discomfort developedin 7 eyes (63.6%) in Group 1 and 5 eyes (41.7%) in Group 2 (p=0.414). Throughout the following week, the discomfort lasted in 6 eyes (54.5%) in Group 1 and 1 eye (13.6%) in Group 2 (p=0.027). The mean operation time was 25.0 (+/-2.6) minutes in Group 1 and 12.0 (+/-2.4) minutes in Group 2 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The success rates were similar in the two groups. However, the use of fibrin glue significantly reduces the postoperative discomfort and the operation time. Therefore, the use of fibrin glue in conjunctival resection of conjunctivochalasis seems to be an effective method.