[Tarsorrhaphy: applications in a Cornea Service].
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.
Tzelikis
Patrick Frensel de Moraes
PF
Serviço de Doenças Externas e Catarata, Hospital São Geraldo, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. tzelikis@zaz.com.br
Diniz
Cristiano Menezes
CM
Tanure
Marco Antônio Guarino
MA
Trindade
Fernando Cançado
FC
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