The Effectiveness of Partial Lid Margin Excision Including Hair Follicles in Diffuse Trichiasis and Distichiasis

Abstract

Purpose: In the present study, we introduced and evaluated the effectiveness of partial lid margin excision including hair follicles in diffuse trichiasis and distichiasis. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was performed on 21 eyelids of 14 patients with diffuse trichiasis and distichiasis. The patients had trichiasis of more than 1/3 of the eyelid margin and received lid margin excision including hair follicles at our hospital. The patients were followed up for more than 3 months after surgical correction. A telephone survey of the surgical outcomes, including recurrence and cosmetic satisfaction, was conducted for patients who were unable to visit the clinic. Success was defined as complete resolution of symptoms, no recurrence of abnormal cilia, and acceptable cosmesis. Results: The patients included five males (6 eyes) and nine females (15 eyes) with an average age of 61.9 years (range, 39.8-82.4 years). The surgical success rate was 90.5%. Two eyelids showed a recurrence of trichiasis requiring additional electrolysis treatment, and one eyelid exhibited skin pigmentation. Conclusions: For patients with diffuse trichiasis and distichiasis, partial lid margin excision including hair follicles showed excellent results with respect to resolving irritating symptoms, with minimal complications, low recurrence, and an easy procedure.