Use of physical barriers for delayed adjustable strabismus surgery: the effect of interceed and polyglactin 910 mesh.

AIMS/BACKGROUND In the course of adjustable strabismus surgery there is only a limited period after surgery before the formation of firm adhesions prevents successful adjustment. To determine if this period could be increased by the interposition of suitable physical barriers, the use of Interceed and polyglactin 910 mesh was investigated in an animal model. METHODS A total of 39 rabbit eyes were divided into three groups. After recession of the superior rectus muscle (SRM), balanced salt solution was applied to the control group between the free muscle end and the sclera; in each of the two experimental groups, Interceed and polyglactin 910 mesh were applied. Delayed adjustment was performed once on each SRM at 1, 2, or 3 weeks postoperatively. The length and force of the adjustment, the degree of adhesions, and the degree of fibrous proliferation were recorded. RESULTS Adjustment was not possible in any of the eyes in the control group. At 1 week postoperatively, adjustment was possible in four out of five eyes with Interceed and in three out of five eyes with polyglactin 910 mesh as a physical barrier. CONCLUSIONS Interceed may be clinically useful in delaying the timing of adjustment up to 1 week. Further study of the use of other materials could be carried out to see if it was possible to delay the timing of adjustment for more than 1 week.