Economizing strabismus surgery: Using half the double-armed suture for horizontal muscles

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Healthcare Economics

Background:

• Access to affordable medical care, including strabismus surgery, is a significant challenge in developing countries like India.
• High costs associated with surgical materials can delay or prevent patients from seeking timely treatment for eye conditions such as strabismus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce the financial burden on patients undergoing strabismus surgery by optimizing the use of surgical sutures.
• To present a modified technique for strabismus surgery that utilizes half sutures to decrease material costs.

Main Methods:

• A 45-cm double-armed 6-0 polyglactin suture was divided into two 22.5 cm halves.
• A modified suturing approach was employed to perform horizontal extraocular muscle surgeries (fixed recession-plication and hang back recession-resection) on two exotropia patients using one half-suture per patient.
• The technique focused on intuitive threading of the single-armed suture for efficient muscle manipulation.

Main Results:

• Successful execution of horizontal extraocular muscle surgeries for exotropia in two patients using half sutures.
• Demonstrated feasibility of a cost-effective modification for common strabismus surgical procedures.
• The method allows for the surgical needs of two patients to be met with a single standard suture pack.

Conclusions:

• Utilizing half sutures for strabismus surgery is a viable and cost-effective strategy, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• This innovative approach can significantly lower patient costs and improve the affordability of essential eye muscle surgery.
• Strabismus surgeons are encouraged to consider adopting this economical suture technique to enhance patient access to care.