Our Summary
The research paper is a comparison of two surgical procedures used to treat strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. The two procedures being compared are plication and resection, which involve strengthening the extraocular muscle (EOM) that controls eye movement.
The researchers used data from previous strabismus surgeries performed at the University Eye Hospital Basel. They only included patients who had a specific type of strabismus surgery and had a follow-up of at least 3 months. They did not include patients who had previous eye surgeries, binocular surgeries, or simultaneous surgery on oblique or vertical EOM.
The researchers found 59 patients who met their criteria. They divided these patients into two groups based on the type of surgery they had - recession/plication or recession/resection, and compared the results.
They found no significant difference in the surgical effectiveness of the two procedures, neither at 1 week nor 3 months after surgery. This means both procedures were equally effective in treating strabismus. The researchers concluded that the plication procedure, which doesn’t require cutting the muscle, is a valid alternative to the resection procedure.
FAQs
- What is strabismus and what surgical procedures are used to treat it?
- What criteria did the researchers use to select patients for their study on strabismus surgery?
- What were the findings of the research paper comparing the plication and resection procedures for strabismus surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient considering strabismus surgery that both plication and resection procedures are equally effective in treating the condition. They may also advise the patient that the plication procedure, which doesn’t involve cutting the muscle, is a valid alternative to the resection procedure. Additionally, the doctor may recommend discussing the potential risks and benefits of each procedure in detail with the surgeon before making a decision.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery are those who have not had success with non-surgical treatments such as glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy. These patients may have symptoms such as double vision, eye strain, or difficulty focusing. In general, strabismus surgery is recommended for patients with a significant misalignment of the eyes that is causing functional or cosmetic issues.
In the specific study mentioned, the patients included had a specific type of strabismus surgery and met certain criteria for eligibility. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery and which type of procedure would be most appropriate for their individual case.
Timeline
Before the surgery, the patient would have undergone a thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment. The patient would have also discussed the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the surgery.
On the day of the surgery, the patient would have arrived at the hospital or surgical center and been prepped for the procedure. The surgery would have been performed under general anesthesia, and the extraocular muscle would have been either plicated or resected to correct the misalignment of the eyes.
After the surgery, the patient would have spent some time in recovery before being discharged to go home. The patient would have been prescribed pain medication and eye drops to help with any discomfort and promote healing.
In the days and weeks following the surgery, the patient would have had follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and ensure that the eyes are aligning properly. The patient would have also undergone vision therapy or other treatments to help strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination between the eyes.
Overall, the patient would have experienced a gradual improvement in their eye alignment and visual function in the weeks and months following the surgery. The patient would have also seen a decrease in symptoms such as double vision and eye strain.
What to Ask Your Doctor
What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
How long is the recovery time after strabismus surgery?
Will I need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops after surgery?
What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in terms of correcting eye alignment?
How long will the effects of strabismus surgery last?
Will I need follow-up appointments after surgery, and if so, how often?
Are there any alternative treatments to consider for my strabismus?
How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery, and how many procedures have you done?
Can you provide me with information about the specific technique you plan to use for my surgery?
Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow to ensure the best outcome of my strabismus surgery?
Reference
Authors: Kühne J, Palmowski-Wolfe A. Journal: Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2019 Apr;236(4):442-445. doi: 10.1055/a-0829-6086. Epub 2019 Apr 18. PMID: 30999327