Modified technique and ptosis clamp for surgical correction of congenital pediatric ptosis by anterior levator resection.

Congenital ptosis is due to a dysgenesis of the levator complex with the levator muscle being replaced by fatty and fibrous tissue. This dysfunction of the levator muscle gives rise to the classic triad of findings in congenital ptosis, including ptosis in the primary position, lagophthalmos in downgaze, and a poorly formed eyelid crease. There are traditionally two ways to surgically correct congenital ptosis, levator resection and frontalis suspension (by utilizing a myriad of both autogenous and synthetic materials). Although frontalis suspension is the more utilized surgical option for the correction of congenital ptosis, the complication rate due to the use of synthetic materials is not insignificant. Many surgeons feel that the contour and appearance of the eyelid following levator resection is superior to the frontalis suspension technique. Thus, levator resection for congenital ptosis can be one of the most satisfactory and physiologically normal of the ptosis procedures. Surgery for congenital ptosis can however be unpredictable in outcome. We propose a modified technique for levator resection as well as a newly designed and modified Berke ptosis clamp for levator resection surgery. Postoperative results with the modified technique as well as clamp have been very encouraging with excellent postoperative lid contour and height. The author has utilized this clamp and modified technique in over 350 lid surgeries over the past ten years.

Clinicopathologic analysis of 166 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of lacrimal sac pathology in patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). DESIGN: Observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-six patients with symptoms of PANDO. METHODS: A total of 202 lacrimal sac biopsies were obtained from 166 patients undergoing external DCR procedures for symptoms of PANDO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, presenting symptoms and signs, relevant history, and assessment of the nasolacrimal system were recorded. All lacrimal biopsy specimens were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients (71%) were female and 48 patients (29%) were male. The mean age was 60.7 years (range, 21-93 years). All patients demonstrated epiphora, and 32 patients had dacryocystitis. Duration of symptoms ranged from 6 weeks to 50 years. No lacrimal sac tumors were detected. Sixty-five percent of specimens demonstrated chronic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: No neoplasms were detected among 202 lacrimal sac specimens from 166 patients with symptoms of PANDO. Most lacrimal sac specimens demonstrated chronic inflammatory changes. We conclude that a lacrimal sac biopsy should be performed when there is suspicion of a neoplasm based on the clinical, historical, or intraoperative findings, rather than routine biopsy of all patients with PANDO.

Lacrimal canaliculoscopy: development of the instrument.

We have developed an endoscopic device for use in the lacrimal drainage system. The device employs a flexible, small-calibre fibreoptic cable that can easily negotiate the canalicular system. The device can be used in conjunction with a video camera and monitor for simultaneous viewing. The endoscope can be used alone for the diagnosis of lacrimal disorders. Possible future applications include laser treatment of lacrimal disorders.