Goal-determined metrics to assess outcomes of esotropia surgery

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To report outcomes of esotropia surgery with a goal-determined tool. A goal-determined outcomes analysis tool was devised to address a quality improvement initiative at Boston Children's Hospital. Surgeons preoperatively ranked four possible goals for intervention: enhancement of binocular potential, restoration of eye contact (reconstructive), management of diplopia, and resolution of torticollis. Criteria for success were goal specific; the primary outcome measure was surgical success at 2-4 months. Secondary outcomes included appraisal of risk factors and a comparison of outcomes with this methodology versus traditional criteria for success based on motor alignment. No patients were excluded based on diagnosis, systemic and ocular risk factors, or intervention performed. A total of 824 patients underwent esotropia surgery from 2006 to 2012 and returned for evaluation at 2-4 months' follow-up. Of these, 777 had sufficient documentation for inclusion: 372 procedures were performed primarily to improve binocular potential; 238, to restore eye contact; 124, to resolve diplopia; and 43, to remediate torticollis. Excellent (71%) or good (13.7%) results were obtained in 84% of cases. Without associated risk factors, 75% had excellent and 14% had good outcomes. Risk factors were present in 444 (57%). Success diminished with prior strabismus surgery (P = 0.004), preoperative angle ≥50(Δ) (P = 0.002), and surgery before 12 months of age (P = 0.003). Patients having surgery to remediate diplopia had the best outcomes (excellent, 79%; good, 8%). Preoperative ranking of goals allowed demonstration of better results than would have been reported with requirement of "traditional" motor alignment criteria (P = 0.009). Goal-determined methodology can be useful for monitoring outcomes of esotropia surgery in diverse populations.