Surgical treatment of severe congenital ptosis using deep temporal fascia

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcome of a frontalis sling using deep temporal fascia in the treatment of severe congenital ptosis (SCP). Methods: A retrospective, interventional case series was performed. The study involved 25 patients with SCP (>4 mm). All patients underwent frontalis sling surgery with deep temporal fascia between 2004 and 2012 with a follow-up period of 12 months at a minimum. Data regarding eyelid position, eyelid symmetry, cosmetic outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: The mean age at surgery was 7.68 years (range 4-17 years) with an average follow-up of 60 months (range is 12-108 months). The functional success rate was 88% (22/25). Ptosis recurred in 8% (2/25) of patients, overcorrection was present in 4% (1/25) of patients. The patients with ptosis recurrence underwent reoperation. The preoperative margin-to-reflex distance (MRD1) was -0.85±0.87 mm (range, -2.5 to + 0.5 mm), while the postoperative MRD1 was + 2.1 ± 1.05 mm (range, -1.5 to + 4 mm) (p < .0001). Lid symmetry (asymmetry < of 1 mm of MRD1 between the two eyes) was present in all the successful cases. Postoperative complications included transient exposure keratopathy (32%) and inflammatory brow reaction (8%). Conclusions: Frontalis sling operation with deep fascia temporalis is very effective in the treatment of SCP with excellent long-term functional and cosmetic successes.