Anti-HLA alloantibodies of the IgA isotype in re-transplant candidates part II: Correlation with graft survival.

We reported previously on the widespread occurrence of anti-HLA alloantibodies of the IgA isotype (anti-HLA IgA) in the sera of solid-organ re-transplantation (re-tx) candidates (Arnold et al., ). Specifically focussing on kidney re-tx patients, we now extended our earlier findings by examining the impact of the presence and donor specificity of anti-HLA IgA on graft survival. We observed frequent concurrence of anti-HLA IgA and anti-HLA IgG in 27% of our multicenter collective of 694 kidney re-tx patients. This subgroup displayed significantly reduced graft survival as evidenced by the median time to first dialysis after transplantation (TTD 77 months) compared to patients carrying either anti-HLA IgG or IgA (TTD 102 and 94 months, respectively). In addition, donor specificity of anti-HLA IgA had a significant negative impact on graft survival (TTD 74 months) in our study. Taken together, our data strongly indicate that presence of anti-HLA IgA, in particular in conjunction with anti-HLA-IgG, in sera of kidney re-tx patients is associated with negative transplantation outcome.

Hypothermia at neonatal intensive care unit admission was not associated with respiratory disease or death in very preterm infants.

AIM: This study investigated the association between hypothermia and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death in very preterm infants admitted to a Danish neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: We studied 675 infants born at Aalborg University Hospital before 32 weeks and admitted to the NICU from April 1997 to December 2011. Hypothermia was defined as a core temperature of <36.5°C on admission. The primary outcome was severe RDS or death within the first three days of life, and the secondary outcome was BPD or death before 36 postmenstrual weeks. The multivariable logistic regression was adjusted for early-onset infection, gestational age, Apgar score, sex, treatment year and birth weight. RESULTS: Infants with hypothermia had a twofold increase (OR) in the odds for RDS or death (2.03), but the adjusted OR was not statistically significant (1.36). They also demonstrated a twofold increase (OR) in the odds for BPD or death (2.28), but again the adjusted OR was not statistically significant (1.03). CONCLUSION: After adjusting for confounders, we found that the association between hypothermia on admission to the NICU and RDS or death, or BPD or death was statistically insignificant.

Soil Parameters Drive the Structure, Diversity and Metabolic Potentials of the Bacterial Communities Across Temperate Beech Forest Soil Sequences.

Soil and climatic conditions as well as land cover and land management have been shown to strongly impact the structure and diversity of the soil bacterial communities. Here, we addressed under a same land cover the potential effect of the edaphic parameters on the soil bacterial communities, excluding potential confounding factors as climate. To do this, we characterized two natural soil sequences occurring in the Montiers experimental site. Spatially distant soil samples were collected below Fagus sylvatica tree stands to assess the effect of soil sequences on the edaphic parameters, as well as the structure and diversity of the bacterial communities. Soil analyses revealed that the two soil sequences were characterized by higher pH and calcium and magnesium contents in the lower plots. Metabolic assays based on Biolog Ecoplates highlighted higher intensity and richness in usable carbon substrates in the lower plots than in the middle and upper plots, although no significant differences occurred in the abundance of bacterial and fungal communities along the soil sequences as assessed using quantitative PCR. Pyrosequencing analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicons revealed that Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the most abundantly represented phyla. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria and Chlamydiae were significantly enriched in the most acidic and nutrient-poor soils compared to the Bacteroidetes, which were significantly enriched in the soils presenting the higher pH and nutrient contents. Interestingly, aluminium, nitrogen, calcium, nutrient availability and pH appeared to be the best predictors of the bacterial community structures along the soil sequences.

[Predictive factors and prognostic consequences of perioperative complications of radical cystectomies for urothelial carcinoma in patients of 80 years or more]. / Facteurs prédictifs et conséquences pronostiques des complications périopératoires lors des cystectomies totales pour carcinome urothélial chez des patients de 80ans ou plus.

OBJECTIVE: To define the predictive factors and the prognostic consequences of perioperative complications occurrence while radical cystectomies for urothelial carcinoma treatment in patients older than 80 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis of clinical and biological preoperative data and outcome of eighty patients of 80 years or more, treated with radical cystectomy between 1990 and 2010 in one centre. Perioperative complications were graded according to the classification from Clavien-Dindo. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (35%) had a single perioperative complication and nineteen (24%) had multiple (≥2) perioperative complications. Overall survival of patients with multiple perioperative complications was significantly lower than that of patients who had no complications (Log-rank P=0.0004). The occurrence of multiple perioperative complications was associated with Charlson and ASA scores, with pelvic irradiation and induction chemotherapy histories. However, in multivariate analysis, only the existence of respiratory comorbidity was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of multiple perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of multiple perioperative complications was associated with reduced overall survival in elderly patients after radical cystectomy. The existence of respiratory comorbidity was the only independent risk factor for the occurrence of multiple perioperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Treatment strategies for severe C1C2 luxation due to congenital os odontoideum causing tetraplegia.

PURPOSE: High-grade C1C2 luxation is a rare pathology. There is no clear evidence as to how to treat this deformity. There is only limited evidence about the different surgical techniques and possible approaches including advantages, disadvantages, and complications. METHODS: This is an uncommon case of a 13-year-old child with progressive, tetraplegia due to congenital os odontoideum with translational instability between C1 and C2, and progressive luxation of C2. An irreducible dislocation of the C0/C1 complex caused significant compression at the cervicomedullary junction and neurologic deficit. In this paper we highlight the different types of os odontoideum, a review of existing evidence of surgical correction. We will discuss the different treatment strategies which could be applied and the current solution will be described. RESULTS: Continuous skeletal traction and translational reduction was achieved by a specially designed halo traction system including continuous skeletal traction in a wheelchair for 6 weeks. The surgical treatment consisted of a posterior only release, translational reduction and posterior instrumentation from C0 to C4 with a Y plate and homologous bone graft. Neurological deficits started to improve during halo traction. After surgery the patient was ambulatory without any assistance and reached a Frankel stage E. Postoperative X-rays and CT scan revealed complete reduction at the C1/C2 level and a decompressed cervicomedullary junction. CONCLUSION: Treatment of severe C1C2 luxation is difficult with limited evidence in the literature. The current case shows a successful treatment strategy to reduce the deformity and lists alternative approaches.

[The exposure method of treatment of burns in children]. / Le pansement par exposition à l'air dans le traitement des brûlures de l'enfant.

Acute burn is a more or less profound destruction of the skin envelope. The depth of the injury determines the severity of functional and aesthetic sequelae. Local care prevents the infection, factor of deepening of the burn. Currently the dressing used in most Burns centers is a bandage covering a bacterial product applied to the burn. The advantage of this dressing is to prevent the occurrence of local infection. In contrast, open-air method of treatment is based on the notions that the wound is infected. His purpose is to reduce the effects of infection by creating an unfavourable environment to the growth and multiplication of bacteria. The principle of this method is the formation over the burned area of an eschar. The eschar acts as a natural dressing to protect the injured area against infection. The residual skin islets are preserved. The surgical cleavage of the eschar is easy; the deep surface of the crust defines the surgical plan. Deep tangential excisions are not necessary. The implementation of this technique is easy and it is particularly well suited to pediatrics. Treatment is not painful and the child's activities are not hampered by bandages. Respect of the children's quality of life and medical-economic efficiency of this method give it a prominent place in the treatment of burns in children.

The new digital flexible ureteroscopes: 'size does matter'--increased ureteric access sheath use!

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the use of sheaths to access the ureter has increased after the introduction of new digital ureterorenoscopes in patients undergoing flexible ureteroscopy. METHODS: 140 patients with kidney stones were randomised to be scoped with either an old-generation fibre-optic flexible ureteroscope (DUR-8, Elite, ACMI; distal tip diameter = 6.75 Fr) or a new-generation digital LCD flexible ureteroscope (Invisio D-URD flexible ureteroscope; distal tip diameter = 8.7 Fr). We recorded the necessity to use a sheath to access the ureter, sheath-related and postoperative complications, and whether or not a JJ stent was left behind. RESULTS: 157 (80 fibre-optic and 77 digital) ureterorenoscopies were performed. Ureteral access sheaths were used significantly more frequently with digital scopes (p = 0.00174). Two patients in the digital scope group had a small distal ureteric perforation from the introducer sheath compared with none in the fibre-optic scope group. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant increase in sheath use was observed in the new-generation digital flexible ureteroscopy group. Despite the improvement in image quality, better durability and improved stone clearance, there are some potential drawbacks of these scopes. The increased distal tip diameter can result in increased use of ureteric access sheaths and this may increase morbidity and expense.

The Barts 'flank-free' modified supine position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: The last decade has seen the emergence of a variety of supine positions for carrying out percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). These positions all differ with regard to ease of puncture under image guidance, operative field availability, ability to make and dilate multiple tracts and ease of combining retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). As all of these positions have their limitations regarding the important parameters mentioned above, there is a need for a supine position which addresses some of the difficulties. METHODS: We describe and illustrate our flank-free modified supine position, which we believe addresses a number of the issues. RESULTS: Our position allows easy percutaneous access under fluoroscopy (torso only tilted to around 15°), space for placing (flank free of support) and dilating multiple tracts (kidney lies in a fairly neutral position and hence less mobile), a fairly horizontal tract allowing low intrarenal pressures and easy washout of fragments as well as allowing RIRS in a position of relative familiarity. The lesser torso rotation compared with the Valdivia, Galdakao modified and the Barts modified Valdivia positions also means it is more comfortable for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are encouraging and easily comparable with published series on prone position, Valdivia, complete supine and the Barts modified Valdivia positions. We would like to highlight the Barts 'flank-free' modified supine position as one of the standard positions for carrying out supine PCNL.

Use of a virtual reality simulator to improve percutaneous renal access skills: a prospective study in urology trainees.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the impact of a virtual reality trainer in improving percutaneous renal access skills of urological trainees. METHODS: A total of 36 urology trainees participated in this prospective study. Initially, they were taken through the exercise of gaining access to the lower pole calyceal system and introducing a guidewire down the ureter. Trainees' performance was then assessed by virtual reality-derived parameters of the simulator at baseline and after 2 h of training. RESULTS: Participants who underwent training with the simulator demonstrated significant improvement in several parameters compared to their baseline performance. There was a statistically significant correlation between total time to perform the procedure and time of radiation exposure, radiation dose and correct calyx puncture (p < 0.01). Trainees needed a mean of 15.8 min from skin puncture to correct guidewire placement into the pelvicalyceal system before and 6.49 min following training. CONCLUSIONS: We found percutaneous renal access skills of trainees improve significantly on a number of parameters as a result of training on the PERC Mentor TM VR simulator. Such simulated training has the potential to decrease the risks and complications associated with the early stages of the learning curve when training for percutaneous renal access in patients.

Influence of implant density and flexibility index on curve correction after scoliosis surgery.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies proved that all pedicle screw constructs produce the best outcome in the surgical treatment of patients with scoliosis. However, the optimal amount and distribution of screws has not yet been defined. In recent studies on idiopathic scoliosis, the correlation between curve correction and implant density has been discussed with diversifying results. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to detect a possible correlation of sagittal and coronal curve correction in dependence of metal load and flexibility index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients were included in this study with surgical correction by one surgeon between January 2014 and December 2017. Clinical data and radiographic images (preoperative, postoperative and one-year follow-up) were retrospectively analyzed and metal load, flexibility index, correction rate and correction index were consequently calculated. The Pearson correlation analysis was used for metal load-correction index and metal load-correction rate, correction of kyphosis-metal load and correction of lordosis-metal load. According to the mean metal load of 88%, patients were divided into two subgroups-a low-density group of 12 patients and a high-density group of 14 patients. Clinical and radiographic features were examined by an independent two-sided t-test. RESULTS: Eight patients were male, 18 patients female. Ten suffered from neuromuscular and 16 from idiopathic scoliosis. Mean age was 17.1 years. Correction rate directly postoperative was 70.43%, at the follow-up 67.90%. Mean correction index directly postoperative was 3.40 and at the follow-up 3.23. Pearson correlation of metal load-correction index directly postoperative was - 0.188 and one year postoperative - 0.189. The correlation between metal load-correction rate immediately after the surgery was 0.324 and at the follow-up 0.285. Correlation for correction of kyphosis-metal load postoperative was - 0.120 and one year later - 0.178. Pearson coefficient of lordosis-metal load directly after the surgical intervention was - 0.214 and at the follow-up - 0.220. Dependency of flexibility index and correction rate showed a positive trend (Pearson flexibility-correction rate direct 0.616; flexibility index-correction rate follow-up 0.516). A statistically significant difference between the high- and the low-density group was detected in the correction rate directly postoperative (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: With an implant density over 70%, satisfactory surgical treatment can be achieved in idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis. No statistical significance between the high-density (88-100%) and the low-density (73-87%) group could be verified in curve correction, ICU stay and complications.

Use of a segmental thermoexpandable metal alloy stent in the management of malignant ureteric obstruction: a single centre experience in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: The Memokath 051™ is a semipermanent inert metal alloy ureteric stent which can bridge strictures and, compared to double J stents, causes less bladder irritation and pain, is more resistant to external compression forces and may be more effective in patients with malignant ureteric obstruction. We present our experience with this novel stent in such cases. METHODS: All suitable patients referred to us with malignancy-associated ureteric strictures over a 4-year period had ureteric Memokath 051™ stents inserted. Data on aetiology and position of the strictures as well as length of the Memokath stents used and their efficacy and complications were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: 42 ureteric Memokath 051™ stents were inserted in 37 patients (mean age 64 years). 40.5% of strictures were related to gynaecological cancer, 21% to bowel cancer, 14% were post radiation, 14% occurred in prostate cancer patients and 9.5% were found in other cancers. The mean follow-up was 22 months (range 5-60 months). The main complications were stent migrations in 5, urinary tract infections in 3 and blockage of stent due to progressive transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Memokath 051™ ureteric stents are safe, effective and durable in the long-term treatment of malignant strictures.

Does advanced age affect treatment of early glottic carcinoma?

AIMS: Early glottic carcinoma is currently managed by radiation therapy or endoscopic surgery. Both are effective in elderly patients, but their respective indications are poorly determined. The present study assessed our management of very elderly patients with early glottic carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study included all patients aged 75 years and older at diagnosis, treated by radiation therapy or endoscopic surgery with curative intent for T1 or T2 glottic carcinoma between 2004 and 2018. RESULTS: Records of 33 patients (27 men and 6 women; mean age, 82.2 years (range, 76.1-93.1 years)) were reviewed. 24 patients received radiation therapy and 9 endoscopic resection. The only factor for choice of treatment was anterior commissure involvement. Overall survival was 87% at 2 years and 62% at 5 years. 19% of patients relapsed within 5 years and had to undergo further treatment. There were no treatment-related deaths. Radiation therapy was associated with more acute local complications, with two temporary treatment interruptions and one uncompleted treatment. Surgical treatment was more likely to result in dysphonia, found in 80% of cases. CONCLUSION: Treatment of early glottic cancer in elderly subjects can consist in either radiotherapy or endoscopic surgery. Age should not affect management. Surgical treatment is shorter and better tolerated, although with poorer vocal outcome, and may be preferred in the most comorbid patients.

B-cell activating factor BAFF as a novel alert marker for the immunological risk stratification after kidney transplantation.

The B cell activating factor BAFF has gained importance in the context of kidney transplantation due to its role in B cell survival. Studies have shown that BAFF correlates with an increased incidence of antibody-mediated rejection and the development of donor-specific antibodies. In this study, we analyzed a defined cohort of kidney transplant recipients who were treated with standardized immunosuppressive regimens according to their immunological risk profile. The aim was to add BAFF as an awareness marker in the course after transplantation to consider patient's individual immunological risk profile. Included patients were transplanted between 2016 and 2018. Baseline data, graft function, the occurrence of rejection episodes, signs of microvascular infiltration, and DSA kinetics were recorded over 3 years. BAFF levels were determined 14 d, 3 and 12 months post transplantation. Although no difference in graft function could be observed, medium-risk patients showed a clear dynamic in their BAFF levels with low levels shortly after transplantation and an increase in values of 123% over the course of 1 year. Patients with high BAFF values were more susceptible to rejection, especially antibody-mediated rejection and displayed intensified microvascular inflammation; the combination of high BAFF + DSA puts patients at risk. The changing BAFF kinetics of the medium risk group as well as the increased occurrence of rejections at high BAFF values enables BAFF to be seen as an awareness factor. To compensate the changing immunological risk, a switch from a weaker induction therapy to an intensified maintenance therapy is required.

Observational study of the long-term impact of donor-site sequelae after head and neck reconstruction by free anterolateral thigh flap.

OBJECTIVE: Free anterolateral thigh flap has many applications in head and neck reconstruction surgery. The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess functional and esthetic sequelae of harvesting for oncologic purposes; and (2) to assess long-term impact of harvesting on quality of life according to patient and to physician. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing reconstruction by free anterolateral thigh flap following oncologic head and neck surgery were assessed by questionnaire at>6 months postoperatively. Donor site sequelae were assessed in consultation. Harvesting impact was assessed on 5-point Likert scales by patient and by surgeon. RESULTS: Thirty nine percent of patients showed≥1 sequelae. Donor site sequela impact on sport, daily living and work was assessed by patients as none or mild in 94%, 98% and 100% of cases, respectively. Sixty-one percent of patients and 58.5% of surgeons considered scar esthetics to be discreet or very discreet. CONCLUSION: Morbidity related to anterolateral thigh flap harvesting was low, and functional sequelae at the donor site were well tolerated. The scar was only moderately satisfactory, but could easily be hidden.

Severe kyphoscoliosis after primary Echinococcus granulosus infection of the spine.

A primary Echinococcus granulosus infection of the spine involving the vertebrae T8 and T9 of a 6-year-old child was treated elsewhere by thoracotomy, partial corporectomy, multiple laminectomies and uninstrumented fusion. Owing to inappropriate stabilization, severe deformity developed secondary to these surgeries. X-rays, CT and MRI scans of the spine revealed a severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis of more than 100 degrees (Fig. 1) and recurrence of Echinococcus granulosus infection. The intraspinal cyst formation was located between the stretched dural sac and the vertebral bodies of the kyphotic apex causing significant compression of the cord (Figs. 2, 3, 4). A progressive neurologic deficit was reported by the patient. At the time of referral, the patient was wheelchair bound and unable to walk by herself (Frankel Grade C). Standard antiinfectious therapy of Echinococcus granulosus requires a minimum treatment period of 3 months. This should be done before any surgical intervention because in case of a rupture of an active cyst, the delivered lipoprotein antigens of the parasite may cause a potentially lethal anaphylactic shock. Owing to the critical neurological status, we decided to perform surgery without full length preoperative antiinfectious therapy. Surgical treatment consisted in posterior vertebral column resection technique with an extensive bilateral costotransversectomy over three levels, re-decompression with cyst excision around the apex and multilevel corporectomy of the apex of the deformity. Stabilisation and correction of the spinal deformity were done by insertion of a vertebral body replacement cage anteriorly and posterior shortening by compression and by a multisegmental pedicle screw construct. After the surgery, antihelminthic therapy was continued. The patients neurological deficits resolved quickly: 4 weeks after surgery, the patient had Frankel Grade D and was ambulatory without any assistance. After an 18-month follow-up, the patient is free of recurrence of infection and free of neurologically deficits (Frankel E). This case demonstrates that inappropriate treatment--partial resection of the cyst, inappropriate anterior stabilization and posterior multilevel laminectomies without posterior stabilization--may lead to severe progressive kyphoscoliotic deformity and recurrence of infection, both leading to significant neurological injury presenting as a very difficult to treat pathology. Fig. 1 X-rays of the patient showing a kyhoscoliotic deformity. a ap view, b lateral view Fig. 2 CT reconstruction of the whole spine showing the apex of the deformity is located in the area of the previous surgeries Fig. 3 Sagittal CT-cut showing the bone bloc at the apex with a translation deformity Fig. 4 Sagittal T2-weighted MRI image showing the cystic formation at the apex.

Injury of the right and left inferior epigastric artery during the implantation of a stand-alone ALIF cage through a left retroperitoneal approach: a case report.

Various perioperative vascular complications of anterior lumbar spine procedures have been described in orthopaedic literature. We report the unusual case of a perioperative bleeding from the right and left epigastric inferior artery occurring when using a stand-alone ALIF device (Synfix, Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland) at the L5/S1 level through an anterior left retroperitoneal approach. The primary stability of the Synfix is achieved by four divergent screws which are inserted through the anteriorly located plate into the neighbouring vertebral endplates. For the screw insertion the surrounding structures have to be mobilized more extensively than during a "standard" anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure. The epigastric inferior arteries were embolized by applying polyvinyl alcohol particles and metal coils. The retroperitoneal haematoma caused herniation of the external rectus sheath. Hence revision surgery with removal of the haematoma and resuturing of the rectus sheath were performed. Insertion of divergent screws of the Synfix device may cause severe distension and rupture of the epigastric vessels. This case shows that a lesion of the right epigastric artery may be a hazard even in left retroperitoneal approaches. To the author's knowledge this is the first case describing a lesion of the right epigastric artery during an ALIF procedure through a left retroperitoneal approach.

[Subperiostal orbital hemorrhage induced by effort for vomiting]. / Hémorragie sous-périostée orbitaire après un effort de vomissement.

UNLABELLED: Subperiostal orbital hemorrhage is a rare condition. It usually occurs as a result of trauma or because of a vascular disorder. We present a case of subperiostal orbital hemorrhage induced by effort for vomiting. CASE: A 41-year-old pregnant patient (30 weeks of amenorrhea), with no prior history, was referred to the ENT emergency by her gynecologist for unilateral ptosis and proptosis secondary to efforts for vomiting. Clinical examination and CT scanner showed a subperiostal hematoma of the orbital roof. The hematoma resolved in ten days without sequels, under simple surveillance. DISCUSSION: Non-traumatic subperiostal orbital hemorrhage remains rare. Clinical examination and orbital CT scan allow making the diagnosis. If the optic nerve is not compressed, clinical surveillance during hematoma resorption is sufficient.

Positioning human body models for crashworthiness using model order reduction.

A new technique to accelerate the positioning of human body models (HBMs) by means of a dimensionality reduction of a database of precomputed simulations is presented. First, a set of important subspace deformation modes which are used to approximate the model's movements observed in the training simulations are computed. In the second step, a convex optimization problem is solved in order to obtain an optimal position of the human body model as described by the user. We apply the proposed method to a new reclined seating position of the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS, v5).

Migration of hip revision stems into the knee joint: alternative treatment modalities: technical note.

We report two unusual cases of stem penetration of long shaft femoral prosthesis into the knee joint after revision total hip arthroplasty. In both patients, the protruded tip of the stem interfered with the tibial plateau and averted the knee joint from full range of motion. To avoid further extensive surgery, the tips of the femoral stem were excised using a high speed-cutter. Both patients had immediate improvement in range of motion postoperatively, fast and uncomplicated rehabilitation, immediate pain relief, and good radiological results. If this rare complication occurs, we recommend for a primary intervention to cut the tip of the stem because replacement of the prosthesis would be a long lasting and very exhaustive surgery for affected patients.

[The paralyzed eyelid: an alternative to gold weight, levator palpebrae lengthening]. / Les paupières paralysées: une alternative à la plaque d'or, l'allongement du muscle releveur.

PURPOSE: Patients with complete facial nerve palsy are at risk of severe eye complications due to corneal exposure. The aim of this study was to highlight the effects of using a gold weight in paralyzed eyelid, and to prove the safety of the levator palpebrae lengthening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study compared the records of 24 patients who received a gold weight of the upper eyelid between 1976 and 2003 with those of 22 patients who benefit from levator palpebrae lengthening between 1997 and 2005. Two endpoints were seen in postoperative: the occurrence of complications related to lagophthalmia secondary to facial palsy, and the occurrence of complications related to surgical technique. RESULTS: The occurrence of a complication related to the facial palsy is significantly associated with the surgical technique. Patients with gold weight had significantly more complications related to their pathology than others (67% versus 18%, respectively, p=0.001). The occurrence of a surgical complication was significantly associated with the surgical technique. Patients with gold weight have significantly more complications due to surgery than others (83% versus 5%, respectively, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our clinical study and statistical comparison of the two surgical techniques for paralysed eyelid clearly show that the oldest is unsatisfactory and that it should be abandoned. Levator palpebrae lengthening improves eye symptoms with a very low morbidity.