The Effect of Conjunctivochalasis Surgery Using a High-Frequency Radio-Wave Electrosurgical Unit

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of conjunctivochalasis surgery using a high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgical unit. METHODS: Twenty-seven eyes of 14 patients with conjuctivochalasis who received surgeries with shrinkage of the inferior bulbar conjunctiva using a high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgical unit (Ellman surgitron(R)) were evaluated. Conjuctivochalasis grade, the ocular symptoms, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, and corneal staining with fluorescein were measured preoperatively, at 3 months postoperatively, and analyzed prospectively. RESULTS: Three months after the surgery, all patients' conjunctivochalasis became grade 0, and the ocular symptoms, OSDI score, BUT, and corneal staining with fluorerscein were also improved. Additionally, there were no specific complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctivochalasis surgery using a high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgical unit produced an effective improvement in conjuctivochalasis grade and symptoms and appeared to be a simple and safe procedure.