Transconjunctival repair for involutional entropion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We studied the surgical outcome and efficacy of transconjunctival repair for involutional entropion. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 20 eyelids of 19 patients with involutional entropion from March 1998 to December 2001. There were 10 male and 9 female patients with the mean age 70 years. It included 2 recurred cases of unknown original surgical procedure. The conjunctiva was cut and opened by monopolar cautery and the conjunctival flap was carefully dissected. Disinserted or attenuated lower lid retractor was fixed by interrupted sutures on anterior part of tarsus. In all patients, full-thickness everting mattress sutures including conjunctiva and lower lid retractor were applied. Lateral tarsal strip procedure was added to 12(60%) eyelids having serious horizontal laxity. RESULTS: Capsulopalpebral fascia was found to be disinserted in 18 eyelids (90%) intraoperatively. Mean follow-up period was 14.1 months (2~24 months). There was no postoperative complication except 1 patient having filamentary keratitis. There was recurrence of entropion in 1 eyelid (5%) at 2months. CONCLUSIONS: The transconjunctival repair for involutinal entropion is simple and effective without singificant complication. The procedure averts the postoperative morbidity, scar of the eyelid and shortens operative time.