Evaluation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and autogenous fascia lata in frontalis suspension. A comparative clinical study.

Ptosis palpebrae superioris is mainly treated by frontalis suspension with autogenous fascia lata. In this study we evaluated the potential of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) soft tissue patch to function as a frontalis sling in 13 patients with ptosis palpebrae superioris. Functional and cosmetic results and the satisfaction of the patients were scored positive or negative and statistically compared with 13 patients in whom fascia lata was used. The mean follow-up was ten months. Although no complications occurred in either group the patients in the ePTFE group were less satisfied (p < 0.01) and showed inferior functional (p < 0.05) and cosmetic results (p < 0.01) as compared to the fascia lata group. Histological analysis of an explanted piece of ePTFE revealed that tissue ingrowth into the patch was lacking, which might have led to poor anchorage and subsequently a recurrence of the ptosis. We believe that ePTFE is not the material of first choice in frontalis suspension.