Comparison of the outcomes of internal-fixation versus bolster-suture tarsorrhaphy.

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of 2 techniques of permanent tarsorrhaphy.

METHODS

The clinical records of 30 patients who underwent tarsorrhaphy at a single university-based hospital clinic were reviewed. Patients underwent permanent tarsorrhaphy because they had a nonresolving facial palsy, neurotrophic keratopathy unresponsive to medical treatment, or both. Permanent tarsorrhaphies were carried out by either internal fixation tarsorrhaphy or rubber bolster suture tarsorrhaphy.

RESULTS

The overall success (100%) of internal fixation tarsorrhaphy on 12 patients (ages, 42.0 +/- 17.6 years) was significantly better than that of rubber bolster suture tarsorrhaphy (44.4%) on 18 patients (ages, 40.6 +/- 25.5 years) (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.01). Of the 10 patients who had unsuccessful outcomes, 8 (80%) had their eyelids separated within the first 3 postoperative weeks. Patients whose surgical outcomes were deemed successful were followed for a period of 21.4 +/- 10.7 weeks (range, 11-52 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

Internal fixation tarsorrhaphy is associated with a more favorable outcome than rubber bolster suture tarsorrhaphy in patients who require permanent eyelid closure.