Long-term results of tarsal margin rotation and extended posterior lamellae advancement for end stage trachoma.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of tarsal margin rotation with extended posterior lamellae advancement in the management of cicatricial entropion, trichiasis, and accompanying misdirected metaplastic lashes of the upper eyelid due to trachoma.

METHODS

Tarsal margin rotation and extended advancement of posterior lamellae were performed in 27 eyelids of 15 consecutive patients for correction of cicatricial entropion, metaplastic lashes, and trichiasis.

RESULTS

In all eyes, functional success, which was defined as normal mucocutaneous junction position and repositioning the lashes away from the ocular surface, were achieved. No recurrence was detected over a mean follow-up of 40.04 ± 16.61 (range, 18-72) months. Pyogenic granuloma, which was treated with complete excision, developed at the cut end of the tarsal conjunctiva in 3 cases. Cosmetic results were satisfactory in terms of both patients and examiner.

CONCLUSION

Tarsal margin rotation with extended posterior lamellae advancement appears to be effective with no recurrence in managing cicatricial entropion and accompanying multiple eyelash problems of the upper eyelid due to trachoma.