01624nas a2200193 4500000000100000008004100001653001900042653001200061653001800073653002600091653001500117100001200132700001200144700001300156245007800169300001000247490000700257520116600264 2015 d10aLash resection10aleprosy10aLid splitting10aLong-standing leprosy10aTrichiasis1 aAhn S Y1 aKim J P1 aPark H J00aLid Splitting with Lash Resection for Trichiasis in Long-Standing Leprosy a31-360 v483 a
BACKGROUND: Trichiasis is the inward inversion of the eyelash, resulting in painful contact with the cornea, which is a common symptom of patients with leprosy seeking treatment in leprosy outpatient clinics. Recurrence rates are high when trichiasis is treated with conventional methods such as epilation and electrolysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively a more aggressive surgical technique, lid splitting with lash resection, for trichiasis in long standing leprosy as a pilot study. METHODS: During the past 10 months, we treated 12 leprosy patients (18 eyelids) for trichiasis by splitting the lid margin at the gray line with resection of the eyelash bearing portion to modify the anterior lamellar repositioning. RESULTS: In all patients, pain disappeared immediately and there were no complications. The low number of patients and relatively short follow-up period are study limitations. CONCLUSION: The lid splitting with lash resection for trichiasis in patients with long standing leprosy is a satisfied treatment method functionally and cosmetically.