Evaluation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) suture in frontalis suspension in severe congenital upper-eyelid blepharoptosis

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of a new expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) suture in frontalis suspension in severe congenital upper-eyelid blepharoptosis with poor levator function (4 mm or less) wherein fascia lata is difficult to harvest in young children. Patients and methods In a retrospective study, frontalis suspension was performed in patients with severe congenital ptosis in whom the levator function was 4 mm or less. The procedure was performed in 62 eyes of 40 patients between February 2010 and March 2013. The mean follow-up duration was 12 ± 2 months. Forty patients were included in this study, 26 girls and 14 boys, with an average age of 2.8 ± 0.1 years. Frontalis suspension was performed with the open approach using a single pentagon suture (Fox procedure). Results The average margin reflex distance was −0.55 mm preoperatively, which improved to +2.2 mm at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.009) and then decreased to +1.55 mm 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.005). Six eyes (10%) showed complete recurrence. Twenty-two eyes (35%) experienced partial recurrence. The average period of recurrence was 6.56 months. Postoperative complications such as suture granuloma, infection, exposure, lagophthalmus, and overcorrection occurred in a few patients. Conclusion The use of the new version of Gore-Tex suture as a suspensory material in frontalis suspension in severe congenital upper-eyelid blepharoptosis is safe and effective and can be recommended for clinical use.

Keywords

• congential ptosis
• fascia lata
• gore-tex