The Value of the High-frequency Ultrasound System in Lacrimal Gland Prolapse Treatment.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high-frequency ultrasound in the preoperative diagnosis of lacrimal gland prolapse to aid surgical planning, minimize complications, and enhance patient satisfaction.

METHODS

Five patients underwent preoperative assessment using high-frequency ultrasound. The diagnostic accuracy of the ultrasound examination was subsequently assessed in relation to intraoperative findings concerning lacrimal gland prolapse. Additionally, physical examination was used to assess the extent of swelling in the outer upper eyelid.

RESULTS

Five female patients (10 eyes), aged 25-40 (average age 33.2) years, underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty at the Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, between October 2023 and March 2024. Preoperative high-frequency ultrasound identified lacrimal gland prolapse in 8 eyes, whereas intraoperative findings confirmed prolapse in 6 eyes. The ultrasound had an 80% (8 of 10) accuracy rate, with 2 eyes misdiagnosed. Lacrimal gland prolapse was identified in 6 eyes, whereas 4 eyes showed no prolapse based on physical examination. Preoperative diagnosis relying solely on physical examination led to 2 missed and 2 incorrect prolapse diagnoses, achieving a 60% accuracy rate (6 of 10).

CONCLUSIONS

The high-frequency ultrasound system has high accuracy in the preoperative diagnosis of lacrimal gland prolapse, and it has good application value in the correct diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal gland prolapse.