Comparison of Surgical Results Between Unilateral Recession-Resection and Bilateral Resections in Recurrent Exotropia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical results between unilateral lateral rectus recession-medial rectus resection (R and R) and bilateral medial rectus resections in recurrent exotropia. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 22 patients with recurrent exotropia of the basic or pseudodivergence excess types were enrolled. In group A (14 patients), unilateral R and R was performed during the first operation, and R and R was performed in contralateral eyes during the second operation. In group B (8 patients), bilateral lateral rectus recessions were performed during the first operation and bilateral medial rectus resections during the second operation. RESULTS: The mean time interval between the first and second operations was 28.9 months (range, 5 to 64 months) in Group A and 59.9 months (range, 35 to 75 months) in Group B, which was a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.006). The success rates at last follow-up after the second operation were 85.7% in Group A and 87.5% in Group B, which was not statistically different between the two groups (p<1.000). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in success rate after the second operation between the two groups. Therefore, the operation method for recurrent exotropia can be chosen according to the operator's preference.