A Modified Levator Resection to Improve Postoperative Lagophthalmos and Eyelid Lag

A Modified Levator Resection to Improve Postoperative Lagophthalmos and Eyelid Lag: Purpose:

To assess the effect of releasing the central attachment between the Whitnall’s ligament (WL) and the levator palpebrae superioris muscle on the postoperative levator function (LF), eyelid lag, and degree of lagophthalmos.

Methods:

This retrospective case-control study included patients with moderate and severe simple congenital ptosis who underwent skin approach levator aponeurosis resection (LR) as a primary procedure with a minimum of 6-month follow up. Patients were divided into 2 groups; the first group underwent LR without WL release (control group) while the second group underwent LR with WL release. Preoperative demographics and clinical data were reviewed. Postoperative LF, eyelid lag, and degree of lagophthalmos as well as surgical outcomes were compared and analyzed in both groups.

Results:

A total of 81 patients (88 eyelids) were included in this study. There were 50 males (61.7%). The mean age was ±SD 12.0 ± 9.5 years. The first group included 43 eyelids while the second had 45 eyelids. There was no statistical difference in demographics and preoperative data between both groups. The postoperative LF was higher in the second group (10.7 ± 2.1 mm) with less consecutive eyelid lag compared with the control group (7.8 ± 1.9 mm) (p