Effects of Cauterization with Suturing in Treatment of Conjunctivochalasis: 4 Cases

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We performed cauterization and suturing without resection and evaluated the technique's efficacy in the treatment of conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: Four eyes of three patients diagnosed with conjunctivochalasis were treated with cauterization and suturing. After opening the eyelids, the loosened bulbar conjunctiva was pulled down tensely. After local anesthesia near the inferior fornix (about 8 mm below the limbus), the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule were gripped together by bipolar cautery (UM 150A). The cauterization was performed in one second. Still gripped by the bipolar cautery, the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule were fixed to the sclera with Vicryl 6-0. Identical procedures were performed on two other sites along the inferior fornix. The suture stitch were removed 10 days after the surgical procedure. RESULTS The objects were 4 eyes of 3 patients (1 male, 2 females with an average age of 63 years). The mean follow-up period was 4 months. There were no recurrences or any postoperative complications caused by cauterization. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated conjunctivochalasis with a simple procedure of conjunctival fixation to the sclera through cauterization and suturing.