Improved Efficiency of Muller’s Muscle Resection Through the Use of Locking Forceps In Lieu of Traction Sutures

Abstract

Muller’s muscle resection (MMR) surgery is effective for repair of eyelid ptosis. We describe an efficient modification to the MMR surgery, as described by Putterman, which uses locking 0.5-mm forceps, in place of retraction sutures, to retract the conjunctiva and Muller’s muscle while the ptosis clamp is applied. A chart review was performed to identify 100 consecutive patients starting from January 2015 who underwent the described technique of MMR. Primary end points were need for reoperation or complications. Pathologic specimens were reviewed for similarity between the standard approach using retraction sutures and the modified technique using locking forceps. All 100 patients had satisfactory surgical outcomes. There were no complications or reoperations needed. Pathologic analysis on tissue from the standard technique and modified technique was similar. The described technique is a technically easy, cost-effective, and logistically feasible modification that ptosis surgeons could adopt immediately.