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BRIEF COMMUNICATION
Year : 2014  |  Volume : 62  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 508-511

Minimally invasive strabismus surgery versus paralimbal approach: A randomized, parallel design study is minimally invasive strabismus surgery worth the effort?


Institute of Ophthalmology, JN Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India

Date of Submission22-Feb-2012
Date of Acceptance27-Aug-2012
Date of Web Publication8-May-2014

Correspondence Address:
Abadan K Amitava
Institute of Ophthalmology, JN Medical College (Gandhi Eye Hospital campus) AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.118448

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  Abstract 

Introduction : Minimal access surgery is common in all fields of medicine. We compared a new minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS) approach with a standard paralimbal strabismus surgery (SPSS) approach in terms of post-operative course. Materials and Methods: This parallel design study was done on 28 eyes of 14 patients, in which one eye was randomized to MISS and the other to SPSS. MISS was performed by giving two conjunctival incisions parallel to the horizontal rectus muscles; performing recession or resection below the conjunctival strip so obtained. We compared post-operative redness, congestion, chemosis, foreign body sensation (FBS), and drop intolerance (DI) on a graded scale of 0 to 3 on post-operative day 1, at 2-3 weeks, and 6 weeks. In addition, all scores were added to obtain a total inflammatory score (TIS). Statistical Analysis: Inflammatory scores were analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed rank test. Results: On the first post-operative day, only FBS (P = 0.01) and TIS (P = 0.04) showed significant difference favoring MISS. At 2-3 weeks, redness (P = 0.04), congestion (P = 0.04), FBS (P = 0.02), and TIS (P = 0.04) were significantly less in MISS eye. At 6 weeks, only redness (P = 0.04) and TIS (P = 0.05) were significantly less. Conclusion: MISS is more comfortable in the immediate post-operative period and provides better cosmesis in the intermediate period.

Keywords: Cosmesis, incision, minimal, strabismus, surgery


How to cite this article:
Sharma R, Amitava AK, Bani SA. Minimally invasive strabismus surgery versus paralimbal approach: A randomized, parallel design study is minimally invasive strabismus surgery worth the effort?. Indian J Ophthalmol 2014;62:508-11

How to cite this URL:
Sharma R, Amitava AK, Bani SA. Minimally invasive strabismus surgery versus paralimbal approach: A randomized, parallel design study is minimally invasive strabismus surgery worth the effort?. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2014 [cited 2024 Mar 29];62:508-11. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/text.asp?2014/62/4/508/118448

Minimal access surgeries are common in almost all fields of medicine. [1] Phacoemulsifications, sutureless vitrectomies, minimal invasive lid surgeries, miniature implant drainage surgeries all involve a minimal access approach. Minimal access surgery allows an early rehabilitation with reduced hospital stay. If such an approach is possible in strabismus and offers better post-operative comfort with an equally successful outcome, in terms of alignment, as compared to the conventional strabismus surgery, it would provide a worthwhile alternative to the strabismus surgeon.

Conjunctival incisions in strabismus have traditionally been either the Harm's limbal approach, [2] Park's forniceal approach, [3] Velez single snip surgery, [4] and Swan's approach. [5] Recently, Mojon has published numerous papers wherein he discusses what he calls as minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS). This essentially involves giving two radial almost parallel (though somewhat diverging) incisions parallel to the strap like rectus muscle, extending posteriorly from the upper and lower ends of the muscle-sclera insertion. Most of his cases have been compared to historical controls operated via the limbal approach. These studies suggest that the MISS technique provides less post-operative inflammation compared to the standard limbal approach. [6]

We undertook a parallel design study in cases undergoing bilateral symmetrical recession/resection, wherein one eye was randomized to the MISS approach while the other was operated via the standard para-limbal approach, to compare post-operative comfort and cosmesis.


  Materials and Methods Top


After obtaining clearance from the institutional board of studies and informed consent, horizontal strabismus patients qualifying for symmetrical recession or resection surgeries on the horizontal rectii were included. Anesthesia utilized was either standard peribulbar block or general anesthesia (propofol and nitrous oxide). One eye was randomized (using an unbiased coin) to standard paralimbal strabismus surgery (SPSS) while the other automatically qualified for MISS.

After separating the lids with universal eye speculum, a 5-0 silk traction suture (Johnson and Johnson Ltd. Aurangabad; NW 5079) was passed through the superficial sclera near the limbus at 12 and 6 o'clock to expose the quadrant of interest. Four points were marked on the conjunctiva: Two at the upper and lower ends of the rectus muscle insertion and two at the posterior limits of the planned para-muscular conjunctival incisions [Figure 1]a. The two points on each side of the muscle insertion were then incised with a Bard-Parker blade (#11) after raising a fold of conjunctiva by lifting the conjunctiva between forceps, so as to obtain two incisions parallel to the upper and lower edge of the horizontal rectus muscles, with their anterior limits at the upper and lower ends of the muscle insertion [Figure 1]b. The radial length of these incisions was 1 mm less than the planned recession/resection if the latter was ≤5 mm, and two mm less if >5 mm. Using blunt Wescott scissors, careful dissection was carried out to identify the muscle edge, under which a muscle hook was then passed [Figure 1]c. Further dissection then helped delineate the muscle and the adjacent sclera up to the site of recession. A similar conjunctival incision was made at the superior border of the muscle, aided by the muscle hook already placed below the muscle. Subsequently, the strap of conjunctiva, overlying the muscle tendon, between the two conjunctival incisions, was meticulously dissected free of the muscle up to the insertion to facilitate subsequent surgery in that area [Figure 1]d. This provided us access to the upper and lower edge of the muscle right up to the insertion, as also the sclera/muscle till the point where recession/resection was to be carried out. The planned site of recession on the sclera, or the site of resection on the muscle, were marked [Figure 1]e.
Figure 1: (a-i) Figures showing surgical steps for MISS (recession) (see text)

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For recessions: Vicryl 6-0 (Johnson and Johnson Ltd. Aurangabad NW 2670) locking bites were taken from the muscle margins from near the insertion [Figure 1]f and the muscle disinserted using spring scissors [Figure 1]g] and anchored to the marked spot on the sclera [Figure 1]h. Occasional cauterization achieved hemostasis. If the parallel conjunctival cut edges appeared to be in good apposition, no sutures were applied; else, a single central Vicryl 8-0 suture approximated the incisions. Good apposition was considered wherein the edges were no more than 2 mm apart at a point of maximum separation, after gently smoothening the conjunctival surface [Figure 1]i. In case of any complications, like excessive hemorrhage, or difficulty in suturing the muscles, were encountered, it was planned to prolong the conjunctival incisions towards the limbus and join them, effectively converting them to resemble the limbal approach; in such an event, the MISS approach would be considered to have failed.

For resection: After a similar conjunctival approach as for recessions, two Vicryl 6-0 sutures were applied at the edges of the extra-ocular muscle (EOM) at the point of desired resection and passed through the insertion of the EOM. The muscle between the suture bites was excised; tying the sutures brought the point of resection to the insertion, effecting a resection.

We recorded the duration of surgery (in minutes) from the start of the conjunctival incision to the completion of surgery. Post-operatively graded scoring of inflammation (o to 3: Nil, mild, moderate, severe) was done by an observer masked to the randomization; on day 1, at 2-3 weeks, and 6 weeks: Specifically redness, congestion (these two were compared to standard photographs), chemosis, foreign body sensation (FBS), drop intolerance were scored; and each score combined to yield a total inflammatory score (TIS; with a possible range from 0 to 15). Visible scarring (from one meter) and final alignment were noted at 6 weeks.


  Results Top


We included 14 parallel designed surgeries on 10 patient; 10 were bilateral recessions, while 4 of subjects participated a second time (3 months later) undergoing planned second bilateral recestions on account of large angles not amenable to single strabismus-surgical correction. The demographic and other details are shown in [Table 1]. The mean duration of surgery in the SPSS was 29.6 (SD ± 5.37) minutes as compared to 40.4 (SD ± 7.98) minutes in the MISS approach, with a mean difference of 10.8 minutes (95% CI for difference: 2.67 to 18.92 minutes.), which was significant (Wilcoxon test; P = 0.013). On the first post-operative day, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the median inflammatory scores for FBS and TIS (Wilcoxon test, [Table 2]). At 2-3 weeks, in addition, significant differences for redness and congestion. By 6 weeks, significant differences were restricted to redness and TIS. At final follow-up at 6 weeks, significant scarring was observed in all the eyes, which underwent SPSS while it was present in 9 MISS eyes; the difference was not statistically significant (Chi-square, Fisher's exact test; P = 0.09). There was no change in visual acuity postoperatively in any of the patients during any time in follow-up. Amount of strabismus, target surgery, final alignment along with status of fusion, and stereopsis at 6 weeks postoperatively are also shown in [Table 1]. No complication occurred in our series. Six of 14 cases of MISS eyes did not require conjunctival suture. Conversion was not required in any of the MISS eyes.
Table 1: Demographic details of the patients along with post operative functional outcomes

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Table 2: Median inflammatory scores and P value during post-operative follow-up


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  Discussion Top


We compared post-operative comfort and cosmesis, by MISS and SPSS, in patients undergoing symmetrical strabismus surgeries in a parallel design, randomizing one of two eyes, since that may be a superior model to compare inflammatory outcomes. On the first post-operative day, there was no significant difference between the two eyes in terms redness, congestion, chemosis, and drop intolerance; only FBS (P value < 0.01) was significantly less in the MISS eyes. This could be on account of the small incisions and posterior placement of conjunctival sutures (if any) in the latter group.

At 2-3 weeks follow-up, scores for redness, congestion, and foreign body sensation were significantly less in the MISS eyes [Figure 2]. While at 6 weeks, we did not find any significant difference, except for redness and total inflammatory score [Table 2].
Figure 2: Comparative photograph at 2-3 weeks postoperatively, of the same patient operated through MISS and SPSS

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In his introductory paper, Mojon utilized the MISS approach and compared them with a historical group, which underwent a limbal approach in cases undergoing horizontal rectii surgeries. [6] Although his main outcome measures (fusion, alignment, and vision) were different from ours, Mojon did report significantly less lid swelling (0% vs. 21%) in the MISS group on the first post-operative day. On final analysis at 6 months, no significant difference was found. In another study on exotropes, Pellanda and Mojon compared the MISS approach with a historical group. [7] They found significantly less conjunctival swelling and injection on the first post-operative day (χ2 test P < 0.001). They needed to convert 3/104 muscles in their MISS group. [7]

In a similar analysis in esotropia, conjunctival swelling and injection were significantly less pronounced (χ2 P value < 0.001) in the MISS group. [8] We believe that a comparison of grades of inflammation by the Mann-Whitney test would have been superior, although the results are unlikely to have been different.

Although we found 9 of 14 cases (64.3%) of MISS showing a significant scar at 6 weeks compared to all 14 cases (100%) of SPSS, the results did not reach statistical significance (Fisher's exact; P Value: 0.09). Mojon has also commented in his comparative study that minimal cicatrization was seen along the incision line, which did not hinder free movement of the conjunctiva over the sclera. On occasion (sic), no scar was seen biomicroscopically. [6] Only larger studies with more statistical power may provide clear answers to this question.

In our study, MISS took significantly longer than SPSS; but, it is likely that this would decrease as experience with MISS accumulated. No researchers have addressed this question.

Although comparison of alignment by its very nature cannot be compared in a study like ours, we are reporting post-operative alignment outcomes [Table 1], since that would be of interest to our readers. As is evident, 11 of 14 surgeries achieved correction to within 10 PD of target angle; a success rate of 78.5%.

As highlighted by Kushner, the MISS approach interferes less with the peri-limbal episcleral vessels, which should decrease the chances of anterior segment ischemia. [9] Although MISS may appear to be superior to the paralimbal approach, it may not be much different to the Parks fornix approach where too conjunctival incisions are far removed from the limbus.

We are acutely aware of the small number of cases in our study and suggest that more studies with a larger sample size would yield better evidence to either support or refute our findings. Since all our patients were young adults, the results should be interpreted preferable for this age group. The strength of our study is in its parallel design, a format superior in our opinion to compare inflammation scores.


  Conclusion Top


Our small study shows that a MISS approach is more comfortable and offers better cosmesis (in terms of redness) in the short-term (2-3 weeks) as compared to the SPSS; this difference equates by 4-6 weeks. It offers an attractive alternative conjunctival approach to strabismus surgery.

 
  References Top

1.
Darzi A, Mackay S. Recent advances in minimal access surgery. BMJ 2002;324:31-4.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Harms H. Uber Muskelvorlagerung. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilk 1949;115:319-24.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Parks MM. Fornix incision for horizontal rectus muscle surgery. Am J Ophthalmol 1968;65:907-15.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Velez G. Radial incision for surgery of horizontal rectus muscles. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 1980;17:106-7.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Swan KC, Talbott T. Recession under Tenon's capsule. Arch Ophthalmol 1954;51:32-41.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Mojon DS. Comparision of a new, minimally invasive strabismus surgery technique with the usual limbal approach for rectus muscle recession and plication. Br J Ophthalmol 2007;91:76-82.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Pellanda N, Mojon DS. Combined horizontal rectus muscle minimally invasive strabismus surgery for exotropia. Can J Ophthalmol 2010;45:363-7.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Pellanda N, Mojon DS. Minimally invasive strabismus surgery in horizontal rectus muscle surgery for esotropia. Ophthalmologica 2010;224:67-71.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Kushner BJ. Comparision of a new minimally invasive strabismus surgery technique with usual limbal approach for rectus muscle recession and plication. Br J Ophthalmol 2007;91:5.  Back to cited text no. 9
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2]


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