title: [Tarsorrhaphy: applications in a Cornea Service].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the main indications for tarsorrhaphy in a Corneal Service, as well as success rate and possible complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients who underwent tarsorrhaphy from January 1st, 2002 to December 30th, 2002, in São Geraldo Eye Hospital - Federal University of Minas Gerais were evaluated retrospectively. Reviewed data included patient's sex and age, indication for tarsorrhaphy, duration of signs and symptoms before tarsorrhaphy, time for epithelial healing after tarsorrhaphy, type of tarsorrhaphy, complications, follow-up time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen patients underwent tarsorrhaphy. The indications for a tarsorrhaphy were exposure keratopathy (27.8%), persistent epithelial defect associated with penetrating keratoplasty (38.8%), neurotrophic ulcer (11.1%), dry eye syndrome (5.6%), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (11.1%), and chemical burn (5.6%). The epithelial defect resolved completely in 15 patients (83.3%). Mean duration of signs and symptoms before tarsorrhaphy was 98.7+/-48.6 days, and time to heal after tarsorrhaphy was 53.2+/-22.8 days. Of the 18 procedures, two (11.1%) were temporary and 16 (88.9%) permanent. Complications after tarsorrhaphy were premature opening of the tarsorrhaphy, trichiasis and pyogenic granuloma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tarsorrhaphy is a simple procedure, being also very safe and effective in the management of nonhealing epithelial defects, with a success rate of 83.3% and with minor complications.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Doenças Externas e Catarata, Hospital São Geraldo, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. tzelikis@zaz.com.br
authors.forename: Patrick Frensel de Moraes
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Tzelikis
authors.forename: Cristiano Menezes
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.forename: Marco Antônio Guarino
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tanure
authors.forename: Fernando Cançado
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Trindade
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome