Tarsotomy for the treatment of cicatricial entropion with trichiasis
R. C. Kersten, F. P. Kleiner and D. R. Kulwin
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0670.
Transverse tarsotomy and lid margin rotation is a simple procedure that is
effective in repositioning the entropic lid margin without requiring
external incisions or grafting. We report the results of this procedure in
81 eyelids of 58 patients with cicatricial entropion and trichiasis who
were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after surgery. Fifty-nine (94%)
of sixty-three eyelids with mild to moderate cicatricial entropion were
cured with this procedure. Patients with severe cicatricial entropion had a
lower success rate with initial tarsotomy (55%), but in these patients the
procedure had minimal complications and repeating the operation resulted in
a higher success rate. Tarsotomy and lid margin rotation produces excellent
cosmetic and functional results when used to treat patients with mild to
moderate cicatricial entropion. In cases of more severe cicatricial
entropion, we still recommend it as the initial procedure after which more
complex modalities may be used if needed.
