Pattern of recurrence of trachomatous trichiasis after surgery in Enemor and Ener district, Central Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION

For the surgical correction of trachomatous trichiasis (TT), the WHO has approved the bilamellar tarsal rotation procedure (BTR). However, studies have shown that recurrence rates after surgery can be high.

OBJECTIVES

to determine the recurrence rate of trachomatous trichiasis after two commonly practiced surgeries, BTR and posterior lamellar tarsal rotation (PLTR).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A survey was conducted to assess the recurrence of TT among subjects who underwent single trichiasis surgery three months or more before the commencement of the study. Participants were evaluated for the presence of recurrent TT. For patients with trichiatic lashes, the number and location of lashes touching the globe overall and the number of lashes specifically touching the cornea were recorded.

RESULT

Of all 1317 eye lids of 780 subjects, 308 lids had one or more inwardly misdirected eye lashes touching the globe and the recurrence rate by operated eye was 23.4% (95% CI: 19.0, 27.8). Recurrence was higher in the left eye than the right (24.8% vs. 21.9%) in all the surgical eyes; yet the difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.5, P < 0.2). Overall, the highest rate of recurrence occurred centrally. Conjunctival and eye lid inflammation was evident in 32.4% of people who had TT recurrence and it was associated with recurrence (OR 3.8, 95% CI: 2.7, 5.4, p < .005).

CONCLUSION

Trichiasis recurrence is high and commonly central which represents a significant threat to the sight of many people. About 43% occurs within the first 3 years indicating the need for close follow up during this period. Conjunctival and eye lid inflammation has been found to be strong risk factors for recurrence.