Surgical rehabilitation of paralytic lagophthalmus by platinum chain lid loading: focusing on patient benefit and health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient benefit and health-related quality of life after lid loading with platinum chains in adult patients with facial palsy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data collection.

SETTING: Germany's largest university clinic for otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients received validated questionnaires determining the effects of the operation on the patients' health-related quality of life (Glasgow Benefit Inventory). Scores can range from -100 (maximal adverse effect), through 0 (no effect), to 100 (maximal positive effect). Furthermore, satisfaction, complaints, and complications regarding the platinum chain implant were inquired.

RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (63 %) returned a valid questionnaire. The mean follow-up time was 31.5 months. A complete coverage of the cornea was achieved in 95% of the patients after the first operation and in the remaining patients after a revision with implantation of a heavier weight. Complete symmetry to the nonaffected eye was perceived by 64%. Recurrent conjunctivitis was complained preoperatively by 18% and postoperatively only by a single patient. In 2 patients, a mild pseudoptosis was found postoperatively, and a single patient complained about blurred vision. The median total Glasgow Benefit Inventory score was 27.8 (p < 0.001). The health-related quality of life was raised in 91% of the patients; 87% were fully satisfied with the functional result, and 91% with the aesthetical result. 100% would again decide in favor of platinum chain lid loading.

CONCLUSION: Platinum chain lid loading in facial palsy patients can significantly increase patients' health-related quality of life and leads to a high rate of patient satisfaction.