Evaluation of one- vs. two-layered closure after wedge excision of 43 eyelid tumors in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate how two closure techniques after full-thickness V-shaped excision relate to wound recovery and how these techniques affect eyelid function and stability of the preocular tear film.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Thirty-eight dogs with 43 eyelid tumors involving <25% of eyelid margin length were included in a prospective randomized trial.

PROCEDURES

The method for wound closure was chosen randomly before the operation. In group A (n = 20), the wound was closed in one layer and in group B (n = 23) in two layers. The wound and eyelid structure were directly evaluated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy several times postoperatively. Eyelid function was indirectly evaluated by interferometry, noninvasive tear film breakup time (nTFBUT), and Schirmer's tear test at the last examination, 5 weeks to 19 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in group A vs. B although slightly more cases with perfect alignment of the eyelid were seen in group B. In both groups, neither slit-lamp biomicroscopy, interferometry, nTFBUT, nor Schirmer's tear test revealed negative influence on the eyelid function by the previous surgery. Histologically, 29 of 32 tumors were diagnosed as meibomian gland adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

These results do not demonstrate a significant difference in wound recovery, eyelid structure, and function after wound closure in 1 vs. 2 layers.