Lower eyelid entropion repair with retractor mobilization and insertion onto the anterior surface of the tarsal plate.

Purpose: To evaluate a modified surgical technique for the correction of lower eyelid involutional entropion in terms of recurrence rate and relief of symptoms.

Method: A prospective series of 67 consecutive eyelids in 55 patients who underwent lower eyelid entropion repair using a modified surgical approach not previously published in the literature to the authors' knowledge. The surgical technique, via a skin crease incision, involves disinsertion of the lower eyelid retractors from the tarsus and conjunctiva and suturing the retractors onto the anterior surface of the tarsal plate. Standard excision of redundant lower lid skin and orbicularis muscle was also performed as well as lateral canthal tendon repair. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon (B. A. O'donnell). This study adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results: There were 67 eyelids with a minimum of 12 months follow-up: of these only 1 patient (1%) required revision surgery (average follow-up 24 months). Four other eyelids had persistent or recurrent irritation (6%) not suggestive of, or secondary to, recurrence. Seven eyelids (10%) had undergone previous operative repair with no further recurrence following their most recent surgery.

Conclusion: Disinsertion and reattachment of the retractors to the anterior tarsal plate in lower eyelid entropion repair is an effective surgical technique to improve lower eyelid stability. Although minimum follow-up is 12 months and average follow-up 24 months, longer follow-up would further evaluate this technique.