A novel technique for small-incision levator resection with a double mattress suture for ptosis correction.

PURPOSE: To introduce a novel technique for small-incision levator resection in ptosis surgery and evaluate its efficacy in a pilot study among patients affected by congenital or aponeurotic ptosis.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled congenital and aponeurotic ptosis patients if their levator function was not poor (≥5 mm) from June 2021 through October 2022. Surgical technique involved a 1-cm lid crease incision, minimal dissection, and creating a loop passing through the tarsus and levator aponeurosis. Success was defined as postoperative MRD-1 ≥3 mm and inter-eyelid MRD-1 difference ≤1 mm. Eyelid contour quality was scored excellent, good, fair, and poor according to its curvature and symmetry.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven eyes (35 congenital and 32 aponeurotic) were included in the study. Mean age was 34±19 years (range, 5-79 years). Mean preoperative levator function and levator resection amount were 9.53 mm and 8.39 mm in the congenital group and 12.34 mm and 4.15 mm in the aponeurotic group, respectively. Mean pre- and postoperative MRD-1 was 1.61 mm and 3.27 mm respectively (P<0.001). The overall success rate was 82.1% (95% C.I: 71.7-89.8%); the result was failure in 12 cases, of which 11 had under-correction. Preoperative MRD-1 was correlated with a success rate (P=0.017).

CONCLUSION

The described technique shows non-inferior results to the previously described surgical methods and also it shows very good lid contour outcome and minimal lag. The findings suggest that the double mattress single suture technique can be used in both congenital and aponeurotic ptosis.