8-0 polyglactin 910 suture in entropion repair: long term follow up and rates of recurrence.

OBJECTIVES: The choice of suture is an important consideration in entropion repair, with implications on wound strength, inflammation and scar formation. There is no consensus on the best suture material or gauge of suture at present. We aim to assess the long-term outcome of entropion repair using 8-0 polyglactin sutures, with specific focus on rates of recurrence, wound dehiscence, infection and scarring. METHODS: This retrospective case series included consecutive patients from two institutions (84 eyes) undergoing entropion repair using a subciliary incision and a lateral wedge resection. Patients were invited for follow up review and patient records were evaluated to assess for cosmetic and functional outcome, complications and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The median follow-up time from surgery was 48 months (range 20-100). There were five cases of entropion recurrence (5.9%), taking place between 8 months to 4 years after surgery, two cases required further surgery, while three were conservatively treated. There was no wound dehiscence. Two cases (2.4%) of mild superficial wound infections occurred which were successfully treated with topical antibiotics, 1 case (1.2%) of mild lid notching, and 1 case (1.2%) of scarring were recorded. 97% of patients reported to be satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 8-0 polyglactin suture in entropion repair has resulted in good aesthetic and functional outcome in this case series, with low rates of recurrence, complications, and no case of wound dehiscence, suggesting this suture provides sufficient tensile strength to enable wound closure and healing.