Lateral wedge resection: a simple technique for repairing involutional lower eyelid entropion.

BACKGROUND: Lower lid involutional entropion is a common eyelid pathology affecting the elderly population. Most of the reported surgical techniques are mainly based on a lateral tarsal strip anchored to the orbital rim.

OBJECTIVES: To report the surgical outcome using a simple single-stitch lateral wedge technique to repair involutional lower entropion.

METHODS: This single-surgeon, retrospective, noncomparative cases series included all patients with involutional lower eyelid entropion who were operated on using the lateral wedge technique.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyelids of 52 patients (46 unilateral, 6 bilateral; 27 men, 25 women; age, mean 67 ± 10; range 50-85) underwent surgical repair. Immediate resolution of entropion and associated ocular symptoms was achieved in 55 eyelids (94.9%). One case had postoperative ectropion that completely resolved spontaneously after 4 weeks, and one had wound dehiscence that healed completely without any intervention. Another patient had residual entropion that resolved after an additional surgical repair. No other cases of recurrence were noted during a mean follow-up period of 16 months (range 6-24 months).

CONCLUSION: This minimally invasive single-stitch lateral wedge technique is a simple and effective procedure for repairing involutional lower eyelid entropion and is associated with low recurrence and complication rates. Igal Leibovitch, MD, has indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.