Efficacy of the Quickert procedure for involutional entropion: the first case series in Asia

Transconjunctival Approach for Involutional Entropion: Suggestions and Drawbacks

Background

Most current surgical approaches in involutional lower eyelid entropion (ILLE) repair focus upon lower eyelid retractor (LER), mainly through transcutaneous approaches. We have opted to use the transconjunctival approach because of the hidden postoperative scar and the shortest reach to the LER. Here, based on our experience, we present our suggestions and note some of the drawbacks regarding ILLE repair by the transconjunctival approach.

Methods

Two surgeons performed entropion repair on 14 eyelids in 13 patients. Repairs were performed by a transconjunctival approach, where a part of the conjunctiva was at first incised with a scalpel, and the conjunctiva and LER were then separated at the lower edge of the tarsus with scissors. The anterior and posterior aspects of the LER were peeled off, and the LER was dissected into sheets. The LER was then fixed to the anterior-inferior border of the tarsus, and the conjunctiva was sutured. No postoperative gauze, tape dressings, or even suture removal were required.

Results

Mean operating time was 32.6 minutes. Recurrence was observed in one of 14 patients at an average of 6.6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

We reported our suggestions and drawbacks of the transconjunctival approach for ILLE repair. We recommend sufficiently detaching the anterior-posterior aspects of the LER and fixing the LER to the anterior-inferior border of the tarsus. Drawbacks of this technique include the possibility of an insufficient correction in cases with a positive pinch test and medial traction test. Conversely, no further treatment or maintenance is required postoperatively.

Effect of topical rebamipide on goblet cells in the lid wiper of human conjunctiva

It has been demonstrated that topical administration of rebamipide, which is an antiulcer agent, increases the mucin level of the tear film and ameliorates ocular surface conditions such as lid wiper epitheliopathy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes in goblet cell number, cell proliferation, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induced by topical rebamipide addition to the lid wiper of humans. A total of 30 eyelid tissue samples were obtained during involutional entropion surgeries, fixed in paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and divided into two groups: Rebamipide or non-rebamipide. The tissues in the rebamipide group were obtained from patients who had a medical history of topical rebamipide use prior to surgery. The number of goblet cells was counted under light microscopy. A total of 22 eyelid tissue samples were further examined using immunohistochemistry with anti-Ki-67 and anti-EGFR antibodies to evaluate cell proliferation and EGFR expression, respectively. Histologically, the lid wiper and palpebral conjunctiva were clearly identified in the tissues. The number of goblet cells was significantly higher in the rebamipide group compared with the non-rebamipide group (P=0.0367). There was no significant difference in lid wiper cell proliferation between the rebamipide and non-rebamipide groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed that EGFR levels in the lid wiper epithelial cells were significantly higher in the rebamipide group compared with the non-rebamipide group (P=0.0237). These results suggest that topical rebamipide application increases the number of goblet cells in the lid wiper, which in turn upregulates the expression of EGFR. These findings may be clinically relevant and provide a therapeutic basis for the treatment of ocular disease such as dry eye and lid wiper epitheliopathy.