Simple surgical approach with high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery for conjunctivochalasis.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a new simple surgical approach with high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery to reduce conjunctivochalasis (CCh).


METHODS
Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series analysis.


METHODS
Twelve patients (20 eyes) with CCh were recruited from the outpatient service of the Department of Ophthalmology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Korea.


METHODS
On the inferior bulbar conjunctiva, subconjunctival coagulation was performed with a fine-needle electrode using a high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgical unit (Ellman Surgitron; Ellman International, Inc., Hewlett, NY) in coagulation mode.


METHODS
Conjunctivochalasis grade; epiphora and dry eye symptoms (the Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]; Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, holds the copyright); and intraoperative and postoperative complications.


RESULTS
Eighteen eyes (90%) recovered a smooth, wet, and noninflamed conjunctival surface within 1 month and remained stable for a follow-up period of 3 months. At 3 months postoperatively, 18 eyes (90%) had grade 0 CCh. There was a statistically significant decrease of the OSDI score at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
A surgical approach with high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery produced a significant reduction in CCh and an improvement in symptoms. Radio-wave surgical techniques represent a favorable alternative to surgical treatment of CCh.


BACKGROUND
The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Youm
Dong Ju
DJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Joon Mo
JM
Choi
Chul Young
CY
D000368:Aged; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011846:Radio Waves; D016896:Treatment Outcome