Early Tarsorrhaphy in Conjunctival Chemosis After Orbit Bone Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE

Chemosis is a common occurrence after orbital reconstruction surgery by the transconjunctival approach. The authors propose an early tarsorrhaphy approach for treating severe conjunctival chemosis following orbital fracture repair.

METHODS

All severe conjunctival chemosis patients following orbital fracture repair were divided into 2 groups: tarsorrhaphy performed immediately when the eyelids could not close completely due to prominent conjunctival edema (early tarsorrhaphy, n = 10); and tarsorrhaphy performed 3 days after the appearance of severe chemosis (delayed tarsorrhaphy, n = 10). Once the conjunctiva subsided, the sutures were immediately removed. The duration of conjunctival edema was recorded.

RESULTS

The average time to resolution of severe chemosis was significantly shorter in the early versus delayed tarsorrhaphy group (3.5 ± 0.5 versus 7.2 ± 1.73 days, P < 0.05). No recurrence of conjunctival edema occurred in any patient 4 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early temporary tarsorrhaphy is a fast and effective method for the treatment of conjunctival chemosis following orbital fracture surgery. The sooner eyelid suturing is performed, the faster conjunctival chemosis will subside.