Orbicularis oculi muscle stripping and tarsal fixation for recurrent entropion

This prospective study highlights the result of a new technique for correction of recurrent lower lid entropion. The technique was designed to address the aetiological factors involved based on the pre- and per-operative findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 37 eyelids of 31 consecutive patients with recurrent entropion were enrolled. Under local anaesthesia, a horizontal incision was made at the lower border of the tarsus, involving the total width of the lower eyelid. Anterior lamellar (skin and orbicularis oculi muscle - OOM) inferior to the incision was dissected towards the orbital rim. An ellipse of the excess overriding OOM and overlying skin inferior to the incision was excised. The OOM was fixed to the lower border of the tarsus with three to four 6/0 Vicryl subcutaneous sutures. Skin was repaired with 6/0 silk sutures, which were removed five days post-operatively. Five cases underwent horizontal lid shortening and 15 had preaponeurosis fat sculpting in addition. RESULTS. 37 procedures were performed on 31 patients (23 M & 8 F). The mean age was 76.5 yrs. (range 63-90). The patients had had one to four (mean = 1.7) previous surgeries. All patients had OOM override. Fifteen had significant preaponeurosis fat prolapse. Lower lid laxity was not identified in all cases, in some due to previous lid surgery. There was no evidence of lower lid retractor laxity in the majority of cases. After a mean follow-up time of 18 months (5-36) there were three recurrences. One underwent further tarsal fixation and the other two had horizontal lid shortening with a favourable outcome. CONCLUSIONS. Excision of overriding OOM and tarsal fixation for recurrent entropion is simple and effective. Its success is due to direct tackling of the aetiological factors.