Evaluation of polytetrafluoroethylene suture for frontalis suspension as compared to polybutylate-coated braided polyester.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) suture as compared to polybutylate-coated braided polyester (Ethibond) suture as sling materials for frontalis suspension in bilateral congenital ptosis.

METHODS

Frontalis sling surgery by modified Crawford's double triangle technique was performed on 30 patients (60 eyes) with bilateral ptosis. The patients were randomized into two groups depending on the type of suture material used: polytetrafluoroethylene or braided polyester.

RESULTS

Polytetrafluoroethylene suture achieved a statistically significant better and more stable ptosis correction, with slightly more lagophthalmos, than braided polyester suture over a mean (+/- SD) follow-up period of 16 +/- 3.24 months. There were more postoperative complications with braided polyester suture, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This is the first clinical study in which polytetrafluoroethylene in the form of suture has been studied. Polytetrafluoroethylene suture was found to be a safe and effective sling material for frontalis suspension and it can be recommended for clinical use.