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The Lateral Tarsal Strip for Paralytic Ectropion in Patients with Leprosy
Mihn-Sook Jue1,2, Jisook Yoo1, Min-Soo Kim1
1Department of Dermatology, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
In patients with leprosy, paralysis of the facial nerve results in the lower eyelid ectropion and lagophthalmos as a sequela even when the leprosy is cured. Paralytic ectropion causes many functional and cosmetic eye problems, leading to blindness if left untreated.
Objective:
The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of surgical correction of paralytic ectropion, the lateral tarsal strip, in patients with leprosy.
Methods:
Between 2010 and 2015, 40 Korean patients (44 eyelids) with paralytic ectropion who had visited Korean Hansen Welfare Association Hospital were treated with the lateral tarsal strip. Four-point patients' global assessment scale, local complications, and recurrence were assessed at the end of follow-up period. The average follow-up period was 12 months.
Results:
In the 44 eyelids, recurrence was observed in 5 cases (5/44, 11.4%). There were no serious postoperative complications except mild size discrepancy of both eyes. Most patients were satisfied with the results and mean satisfaction scale was 2.6/3.
Conclusion:
The lateral tarsal strip is a simple, safe, and effective treatment method for the dermatologic surgeon to correct paralytic ectropion of mild to moderate degree in patients with leprosy.
