Recurrence of trichiasis: a long-term follow-up study in the Sultanate of Oman.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of long-term trichiasis recurrence following tarsal rotation and electro-epilation procedures has not been determined. A non-concurrent prospective study of surgical cases of trichiasis was therefore undertaken in Oman.


METHODS
A sample of 603 surgical cases of trichiasis (approximately half tarsal rotation and half electro-epilation) was followed for an average of 3.1 years to determine recurrence. Recurrence was defined as either mild (<5 lashes touching the globe) or severe (5 or more lashes touching the globe).


RESULTS
Overall, 56% (95% confidence interval of 50.6%-61.0%) of all surgical cases recurred; ranging from 61.8% of tarsal rotation patients to 50.6% of electro-epilation patients. Severe recurrence was detected among 27% of tarsal rotation patients and 10% of electro-epilation patients. Recurrence was associated with female sex, residence in a high-risk region, and time since surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of recurrence after electro-epilation and bilamellar tarsal rotation surgery is high; strategies that account for recurrence need to be introduced.
Khandekar
R
R
Ministry of Health, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Mohammed
A J
AJ
Courtright
P
P
D000328:Adult; D004598:Electrosurgery; D005140:Eyelashes / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006204:Hair Removal; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009850:Oman / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014141:Trachoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery