Gold weight with single hole versus multiple holes--experimental study in rabbits

Lagophtalmia can be a serious complication of facial paralysis. Gold weight application to the upper eyelid is one of the most popular and practical conventional techniques. However, displacement or extrusion are commonly encountered complications. In order to minimize these complications, we modified the original design of the gold weight. Our hypothesis is that gold weight with multiple holes resists displacement and resultant extrusion via extensive fibrous tissue formation through the holes. Twelve New Zealand rabbits were used for this experiment. 2 x 1 cm and 1.8 g ellipsoid golden weights with single and multiple holes were compared. They were placed subcutaneously, to the dorsal surface of the rabbit ears and no suturing was performed. Golden weights with single holes were introduced to the left ear while the golden weights with multiple holes were placed to the right ear. The rates and degree of extrusion and displacement were evaluated in the second and third weeks macroscopically and microscopically. Results were compared by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Statistically better outcomes were achieved by golden weights with multiple holes versus single hole (p<0.0034).