Conjunctival incision management for strabismus surgery in the post-corneal neurotization patient

We report 2 patients who underwent strabismus surgery following corneal neurotization for neurotrophic keratopathy. Strabismus surgery in such cases presents unique challenges because of the potentially complicated motility problems arising from underlying neurologic or orbital processes. We consider the management of conjunctival incisions for strabismus surgery in these patients.

Comparison of Minimally Invasive Strabismus Surgery (MISS) and Conventional Strabismus Surgery Using the Limbal Approach

PURPOSE

To compare minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS) with conventional strabismus surgery for horizontal recti in terms of functional outcome and complications.

METHODS

A total of 40 patients requiring surgery for horizontal recti were divided into two groups: those undergoing MISS and those operated on using the conventional limbal technique. In the MISS group, two small keyhole radial cuts were made superior and inferior to the insertion of the muscle margin. Keyhole cut size was almost 1 mm less than the amount of muscle recessed or resected.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in conjunctival redness and swelling in both groups on postoperative days 1 and 7 and week 3. However, after the third week, both groups had a similar appearance. Visual acuity was decreased at postoperative day 1 in both groups, but the difference was not significant. No significant differences were found for final alignment, binocular single vision, other visual acuities, refractive changes, or complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that this new, small incision, minimal dissection technique is feasible. The MISS technique seems to be superior in the immediate postoperative period because there were fewer conjunctival and eyelid swelling complications. Long-term results did not differ between the two groups. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(4):208-215.].

Intraoperative conversion rate to a large, limbal opening in minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS)

BACKGROUND

To evaluate which factors predispose to an intraoperative conversion to the usual limbal approach in minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS).

METHODS

This study included 451 consecutive patients operated on by one surgeon at Kantonsspital St Gallen, Switzerland, with minimally invasive rectus muscle surgery between February 2003 and December 2007. We evaluated the intraoperative conversion rate to the usual limbal approach over time, and performed a retrospective determination of date of surgery, age of patient, motility of the eye, primary or revision surgery, and the type and dose of surgery in 982 consecutive rectus muscle procedures.

RESULTS

In 3.6% (35/982) of MISS procedures, an intraoperative conversion to a large, limbal approach was necessary. The overall conversion rate decreased over time, from 8.4% in 2003 to 0.4% in 2007. The multivariate regression analysis showed a significant negative influence between the date of surgery and the conversion rate (p < 0.005). Muscle resections were associated with a higher conversion rate (p < 0.001). The other evaluated factors had no significant influence on an intraoperative enlargement of the conjunctival opening.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the reliability of the new MISS technique, and shows a low conversion rate to the usual limbal approach. The conversion rate decreased over time with increasing surgical experience. Muscle resections were associated with a higher conversion rate, while the age of the patient, the motility of the eye, revision surgery and the dose of surgery had no significant influence on an intraoperative conversion.

A new transconjunctival muscle reinsertion technique for minimally invasive strabismus surgery

PURPOSE

To describe a novel, minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS) technique for horizontal rectus muscle recessions, plications, and advancements.

METHODS

Subjects for this prospective study were the first 20 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral horizontal rectus muscle surgery with a transconjunctival suturing (TRASU) technique for primary muscle displacements of 4.5 mm or greater or for repeat muscle displacements of 3.0 mm or greater.

RESULTS

The TRASU technique was associated with no increase in complication rate and was accomplished through a conjunctival approach with an incision that was smaller by 31% ± 11% compared to incisions for previously described MISS approaches. Of the 19 patients (20 eyes) returning for follow-up, 11 (55%) had minimal redness as the only grossly visible sign of surgery on the first postoperative day. By 6 months postoperatively, visual acuity and refractive error were not significantly different from preoperative values (P > .10 for each).

CONCLUSION

The TRASU technique is safe and can be accomplished through a conjunctival incision that averages two-thirds the size of incisions for previously reported MISS techniques.

A randomized clinical trial of the nonsteroidal eyedrop diclofenac after strabismus surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren) with prednisolone sodium phosphate 1% ophthalmic solution after strabismus surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective, double-masked, randomized, two-center clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty eyes of 52 patients undergoing strabismus surgery were examined.

INTERVENTION

For 1 week after surgery, the eye that was operated on received one drop of either diclofenac or prednisolone four times a day.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The diclofenac- and prednisolone-treated eyes were compared on postoperative days 3 and 7 with respect to signs of inflammation (e.g., erythema, edema, discharge), patient comfort, and conjunctival incisional healing.

RESULTS

On postoperative day 7, in eyes that received prednisolone, the conjunctival defects were larger (P = 0.004) and more frequent (P = 0.02). For all subjects, despite adequate statistical power, there was no statistically significant difference in inflammatory scores between eyes that received diclofenac or prednisolone. In cases of bilateral surgery, however, there was less postoperative erythema and edema in the diclofenac-treated eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

In the first week after strabismus surgery, topical diclofenac proved at least as effective as prednisolone in controlling inflammation and discomfort with less delay in incisional wound healing. Topical diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, may be considered for use after strabismus surgery in place of corticosteroids.