Early Tarsorrhaphy in Conjunctival Chemosis After Orbit Bone Reconstruction. Issue 4 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deng, Yuan; Li, Zhengkang
• Is Part Of: Journal of craniofacial surgery. Volume 29:Issue 4(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Complications -- conjunctival chemosis -- early tarsorrhaphy -- orbital fracture repair; Facial bones -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Skull -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.52
• DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000004337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-2275

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Chemosis is a common occurrence after orbital reconstruction surgery by the transconjunctival approach. The authors propose an early tarsorrhaphy approach for treating severe conjunctival chemosis following orbital fracture repair. Methods: All severe conjunctival chemosis patients following orbital fracture repair were divided into 2 groups: tarsorrhaphy performed immediately when the eyelids could not close completely due to prominent conjunctival edema (early tarsorrhaphy, n = 10); and tarsorrhaphy performed 3 days after the appearance of severe chemosis (delayed tarsorrhaphy, n = 10). Once the conjunctiva subsided, the sutures were immediately removed. The duration of conjunctival edema was recorded. Results: The average time to resolution of severe chemosis was significantly shorter in the early versus delayed tarsorrhaphy group (3.5 ± 0.5 versus 7.2 ± 1.73 days, P < 0.05). No recurrence of conjunctival edema occurred in any patient 4 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Early temporary tarsorrhaphy is a fast and effective method for the treatment of conjunctival chemosis following orbital fracture surgery. The sooner eyelid suturing is performed, the faster conjunctival chemosis will subside.