[Results and complications of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in frontalis suspension ptosis surgery. Study of 59 cases].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the functional results and complications of the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in frontalis suspension surgery for the treatment of moderate-severe palpebral ptosis (> 3 mm) with poor or absent levator muscle function.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 59 frontalis suspension procedures performed between 1992 and 2003 on 38 patients with palpebral ptosis (21 bilateral). Seventeen (44.7%) cases were women and 21 (55.3%) men. The mean age was 51.7 S.D. 27.6 years (range, 2 to 87). The surgical techniques used were performed by a Wright fascia needle. The etiology, ptosis grade, levator function, Bell's phenomenon and frontalis compensation were studied.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up time of 35.9 S.D. 18.5 months (range, 6 to 72), we observed that the functional results were good in 55 cases (93.2%). Infection with preseptal cellulitis appeared in 1 case (1.7%) and required removal of the material, and in 2 cases (3.4%) there were foreign body granulomas that were resolved by excision. Two cases (3.4%) had to be reoperated due to recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The ePTFE, in our experience, is a good material with excellent functional results and relatively few complications in the surgical treatment of eyelid ptosis for frontalis suspension. Other synthetic materials or fascia lata may be used, but all carry the risk of potential infection, extrusion, granuloma formation or recurrence.