Anterior approach levator plication for congenital ptosis, absorpable versus non absorpable sutures

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of two different suture types in levator plication for correction of congenital ptosis. Subjects and methods: Prospective comparative interventional randomized study involving 42 eyes of 42 patients aged more than 6 years with congenital ptosis and good levator action. The exclusion criteria were as follows: bilateral ptosis, history of previous surgery, fair or poor levator action, and associated other ocular diseases. Patients were randomized into group A, in which double-armed 5/0 polyester Ethibond were used, and group B, in which double-armed 5/0 Coated Vicryl(R) (polyglactin 910) suture material we used. Outcomes including eyelid height and stability of eyelid height over time were compared with follow-up data. The MRD was 4.05 +/- 0.36 mm and 3.95 +/- 0.34 after 1 week for both groups A and B, respectively. At the end of study follow up period (24 weeks), the MRD was 3.60 +/- 0.42 mm in group A, and 2.52 +/- 0.85 mm in group B. Conclusion: No difference in eyelid height between two groups in early postoperative period, but the postoperative eyelid height was more stable over time in the 5/0 polyester Ethibond group (group A) than in the 5/0 Coated Vicryl(R) (polyglactin 910) group (group B).