Indications, output and types of eyelid surgeries in a tertiary eye care facility in Northern Nigeria: A review

Abstract

Background: The eyelid forms part of the anatomical structures that protect the eye. Eyelid surgeries can test the ingenuity of every surgeon who should not only address the obvious tissue deficit but must also restore the structure, function and cosmesis as much as is possible. We reviewed the indications, output and types of eyelid surgeries over a seven year period.

Method: The minor and major surgical log books of the eye theatre were retrospectively reviewed to obtain information on all patients who had eyelid surgery within the study period. Patients' relevant biodata, preoperative diagnosis, date of surgery and type of surgery were obtained. The total number of minor ophthalmic surgeries within the study period was also computed.

Results: 616 minor ophthalmic surgeries were performed. Eyelid surgeries were performed on 237 eyes of 221 persons, 121(54.8%) were males. Mean age was 30.3 ± 17.8 years. Eyelid lacerations, chalazia, and eyelid tumours accounted for 30%, 25.8%, 21% of all morbidities respectively. 249 eyelid surgeries were performed, 246 (98.8%) as minor procedures and 3(1.2%) as major procedures. Eyelid surgeries accounted for 39.9% of all minor ophthalmic surgeries. The main surgical procedures were eyelid repair, incision and curettage of chalazia and excision biopsies accounting for 29.7%, 26.1% and 21.7% of procedures respectively. These three accounted for an annual average of 74.9% of eyelid surgeries (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Eyelid surgeries are fairly common. General ophthalmologists should be skilled in eyelid repairs. Our findings are of relevance to the emerging orbito oculoplastics subspecialty in Nigeria.