Evaluation of safety and efficacy of silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery for severe congenital ptosis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery for severe congenital ptosis.

Methods: A prospective, case series study was performed in 46 patients (56 eyelids) who underwent tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicone rod for severe congenital ptosis. The efficacy of the silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery was evaluated by marginal reflex distance1 (MRD1), postoperative eyelid symmetry, and recurrence of ptosis. Safety of silicone rod was assessed by noting postoperative complications. The postoperative results were considered as good if MRD1 was 4.0 ± 0.5 mm (3.5-4.5 mm) and symmetry ≤1 mm; fair if MRD1 was 2.5 ± 0.5 mm (2-3 mm) and symmetry 1.5 to 2.0 mm; and poor if MRD1 was <2.0 mm and symmetry <2.0 mm.

Results: In cases of unilateral congenital ptosis, good results were seen in 83.3% cases, fair results in 11.1% cases, and poor results in 5.5% cases. In cases of bilateral congenital ptosis, good results were seen in 80.0% cases, fair in 15.0% cases, and poor result in 5.0% cases. Satisfactory postoperative eyelid elevation of ≥2 mm was seen in 93% cases. Complications in the form of granuloma formation, subsequent silicone rod extrusion, and recurrence occurred in 4% cases.

Conclusions: The use of silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery for severe congenital ptosis repair is a safe and effective surgery, with few complications and easy removal and adjustment.